Chart-topping K-pop group NewJeans announced their decision to leave their label ADOR on Thursday, accusing the company of “mistreatment.”

The news comes two weeks after the girl group sent an ultimatum to ADOR parent company HYBE – behind K-pop sensation BTS – telling the company they would terminate their contract if a series of demands were not met would be fulfilled.

“As of midnight today, our contract with ADOR will be terminated,” member Minji said at a press conference.

NewJeans celebrated their debut in 2022 and the K-pop phenomenon is one of HYBE’s most successful groups.

Band member Hanni said Thursday that the group was “subjected to mistreatment, not only toward us but also toward our employees,” without elaborating.

NewJeans experienced “intentional misunderstanding and manipulation in multiple areas,” she said.

“This is not the type of work ethic we respect and do not want to be a part of, and continuing to work for a company that has no intention of protecting NewJeans would only harm us,” Hanni said.

ADOR did not immediately respond to AFP requests to comment on the announcement.

The band members said they would continue to fulfill their contractual obligations, but acknowledged that they may no longer be able to use the NewJeans name.

The group’s demands addressed to HYBE included an apology for a comment made by a manager at the company whom NewJeans accused of bullying, and the immediate reinstatement of their producer Min Hee-jin.

Min resigned from ADOR’s board last week after HYBE accused her of infidelity, sparking a sprawling legal and public relations dispute.

hs/rsc