In a bold move, renowned South Korean composer and producer Yoon Il Sang has addressed the heated controversy surrounding the girl group NewJeans, underscoring the serious nature of contracts in the entertainment industry.

On May 2, Yoon released a revealing video on his YouTube channel titled "Speaking Up! Thoughts on the NewJeans Controversy and Insider Stories of the K-pop Industry." The production team sought his insights on the matter, knowing his long-standing advocacy for artists' rights.

"Let me be clear: contracts are no joking matter," Yoon remarked, urging both fans and industry insiders to recognize their weight. "If you genuinely care for an artist, exposing them to risk is simply not true affection."

Expressing sincere worries for NewJeans, Yoon lamented their current predicament. "It breaks my heart to see them in this situation. One day, they may look back and regret their decisions, and that realization often comes too late. We need adults around them to offer proper guidance, but I fear that those adults may be acting in their own interests instead."

Yoon emphasized the critical importance of honoring contracts. "Once you sign on the dotted line, it's your responsibility to see it through. Only then can you rightfully claim your rights. Additionally, publicly criticizing the Korean music industry during interviews might be something worth reconsidering."

He elaborated on the personal aspect of music production, stating, "This industry revolves around people, not just products. When you sign an artist, you're taking on a serious responsibility for their career. Sure, profit matters, but comparisons are inevitable in the system. One company may have better resources while another may fall short; that's just how it goes."

Yoon also contrasted major labels with smaller companies. "Larger companies excel in marketing and PR, but they can’t completely devote themselves to one artist. Smaller firms may have fewer resources, but if there's genuine trust, they can cultivate significant growth alongside the artist. Ultimately, it boils down to which environment is the best fit for the artist's career. NewJeans made their choice when they signed their contract."

Frustrated with how the situation has unfolded, he stated, "If I truly cared for an artist, I wouldn't let them face public scrutiny alone. I would advocate for them myself. It’s just heartbreaking to watch them shoulder the emotional and professional weight of this situation; that’s what management should be handling."

Yoon continued, "Artists should be focused on choreography and performances, while producers concentrate on music. Management must handle everything else behind the scenes. If artists find themselves defending their actions and fighting legal battles, one has to wonder: what is the role of the company? Sadly, it seems this company has lost its way."

The disagreement between NewJeans and their agency, ADOR, persists. In March, the Seoul Central District Court approved an injunction from ADOR that barred the NewJeans members from partaking in entertainment activities without prior approval from the agency. This injunction followed their attempt to break free from their contracts and pursue independent promotions under the name "NJZ."

Though the NewJeans members objected and announced a suspension of their activities, their appeal was denied. They have since filed an immediate appeal, and the legal battle continues.

Mark your calendars—the next court hearing regarding the exclusive contract dispute between NewJeans and ADOR is set for June 5. ADOR insists that the group’s contract termination lacks legal validity, while NewJeans argues that trust was irrevocably broken after the dismissal of former CEO Min Hee Jin, justifying their actions.