Yoon Il-sang stated his honest views on the ongoing NewJeans situation.

On the 2nd, a video titled "A candid statement! Yoon Il-sang talks about the NewJeans situation and the behind-the-scenes stories of the music industry" was uploaded on the 'Producer Story Yoon Il-sang' channel.

On that day, the production team asked Yoon Il-sang, "Earlier you mentioned rights protection, and no one cares more about protecting artists' rights than you. I'm curious about your thoughts on the hot NewJeans situation."

In response, Yoon Il-sang said, "To put it briefly, contracts are no joke. I want to convey that. You can't love an artist and expose them to danger. That is not true love. I will go that far."

He emphasized, "And the NewJeans members are very heartbreaking. They might regret their actions in the distant future. But that distant future isn't visible until it occurs. Therefore, the adults should help. However, I feel that the adults around them may have handled the future of those kids for their own benefit. In any case, contracts are no joke."

He continued, "Producing is a people business, not a goods business. It implies taking responsibility for that person's life. But we need to make money, don't we? Because it is for profit. There is a dilemma that comes from that. If you are inside, comparisons are made. It seems that the other company takes better care of them. But there is a plus alpha. If Company A does this well, Company B cannot do it."

Yoon Il-sang explained, "For example, I'll just talk about scale. There are large companies and small companies. Large companies have good marketing and PR. However, they cannot care for just this singer because there are too many. They implement selection and concentration, and they seem to be somewhat like mass-produced goods. However, small producers, while it may not go well, can persevere as long as there is trust and it can become a case of growth together, so they value the artists. Of course, it's not that large companies don't value them, but the touch is different. It's up to the individual to decide what is right for them."

He added, "NewJeans has already made their choice, haven't they? And if they signed the contract, it’s right that they must fulfill it. Only after that can they claim their rights. Wouldn't it have been better to think a bit more before criticizing Korean music while also giving interviews? That's the kind of thought I am having."

He also remarked, "I'm opposed to those adults who expose artists too much, making them speak up. I don't want to blame the members. If they really want those artists, they wouldn't put them out like that. For example, with Brown Eyed Girls, would they say, 'I'll speak on behalf of you'? They would support the members and let them speak for themselves. How difficult of a task is that? It's unfortunate. They should be focusing on making music. Isn’t that what companies are for?"

He expressed his candid thoughts, saying, "There are affiliated singers. That singer needs to focus on choreography, concepts, stage presence, and excellent song performances while we produce well. That’s what companies are for. But if they handle all interviews and manage their positions, then that company doesn't really exist. They've negated that very company. This part is unfortunate."

Meanwhile, on March 3rd, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Settlement Division 50 (Chief Judge Kim Sang-hoon) upheld the injunction request filed by ADOR against the five members of NewJeans regarding the 'protection of agency status and the prohibition of advertising contracts.' Previously, NewJeans had notified ADOR of an unilateral contract termination and embarked on independent activities under 'NJZ.' In this context, the court ruled in favor of ADOR, determining that independent activities (including those through legal representatives) without prior approval or consent from ADOR were prohibited.

In response, the members of NewJeans submitted an objection petition against the court's ruling and declared a halt to their activities. The court dismissed the injunction petition filed by the five members of NewJeans while maintaining the decision to prohibit independent activities, but the members have since filed an immediate appeal.

Additionally, NewJeans continues to fight with ADOR over their exclusive contract. ADOR maintains that when NewJeans unilaterally notified the termination of the contract signed in April 2022, there was insufficient procedural and substantive grounds; therefore, the contract remains in effect. In contrast, NewJeans argues that the trust relationship has broken down, especially after ousting former representative Min Hee-jin, who successfully ran ADOR, and that the termination notice is valid. During the first hearing, the court stated, "Typically, a breakdown in trust occurs when there are certainly unresolved settlements or similar issues, but this case is unique, and I will consider how to view the trust relationship in long-term contract management." Meanwhile, the second hearing regarding the exclusive contract dispute between NewJeans and ADOR is scheduled for June 5.

[Photo] OSEN DB, Producer Story Yoon Il-sang

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