K-Pop Producer Yoon Il-sang Speaks Out on the NewJeans Controversy

Veteran producer Yoon Il-sang has weighed in on the highly publicized legal battle involving K-pop girl group NewJeans and their agency, ADOR.

In a candid interview posted on his YouTube channel ‘Producer’s Talk with Yoon Il-sang,’ the music maestro didn’t hold back. Commenting on the ongoing dispute, he began with a somber tone: “Contractual obligations are no joke,” and expressed his sadness for the NewJeans members caught in the crossfire.

Yoon emphasized that risking artists’ well-being contradicts the very concept of nurturing genuine talent. “You can’t claim to love an artist and at the same time expose them to harm. That’s not real love,” he stated.

The producer voiced concern that adults around the girls may have influenced their decisions for personal gain. “Seeing the girls hurting is heartbreaking,” he said. “One day, they may regret what’s happening now. But they can’t see too far ahead because they’re still young. That’s when mature guidance matters.”

Yoon continued, reminding viewers that the entertainment industry is fundamentally a people-driven business, not a product-based one. “Being a producer means you’re responsible for someone’s life, not just a product line,” he added. He highlighted the industry’s contrasting dynamics between large corporations and indie labels, suggesting that indie entities sometimes provide deeper, more personal artist support, even if lacking marketing power.

Specifically addressing NewJeans, Yoon said, “They made a choice, and once a contract is signed, it should be honored. Afterwards, asserting rights is another conversation.” He also critiqued some members giving public interviews critical of Korea’s music environment, suggesting, “That may have been something to think more deeply about.”

Yoon further added that companies should shield their artists, not push them into the spotlight during crises. “If it were Brown Eyed Girls, I would have spoken up for them. I wouldn’t have let them endure that burden. That’s what a real company should do,” he passionately noted.

He concluded by lamenting how NewJeans’ actions seem to reject their agency. “If the artists are doing all the damage control themselves, what’s the point of having a management company?” he questioned. “That’s very unfortunate.”

This legal drama stems from November when NewJeans claimed ADOR breached their exclusive contract and sought to part ways under the new name “NJZ.” ADOR responded with a court injunction to stop their independent activities, which was upheld. NewJeans rejected the verdict and filed an appeal, which has since been dismissed, prompting them to take the case to the next level.