NewJeans vs. ADOR: When Stan Culture Kills Critical Thinking
The ongoing legal battle between K-pop group NewJeans and their agency, ADOR, under HYBE LABELS, continues to spark intense debate online. However, the discourse goes beyond contract validity and contradicting statements. This is also a cautionary tale on how stan culture often drowns out critical thinking.
What Happened?
NewJeans are at the center of a complex legal battle between ADOR ex-CEO Min Hee-jin and HYBE LABELS, ADOR’s parent company. The former accused the latter of seizing the group’s creative control, leading to an audit in April of the previous year.
In November 2024, the quintet announced in a press conference that they terminated their exclusive contracts with ADOR, citing breaches of trust and contractual obligations. Furthermore, they alleged unethical behavior, including surveillance and defamation by HYBE.
In response, ADOR filed a lawsuit challenging their alleged termination and seeking affirmation that their contracts remain valid and cannot be unilaterally terminated. And in March 2025, the Seoul Central District Court granted an injunction preventing them from engaging in independent activities.
The Fandom Enters
Throughout this legal battle, NewJeans’ fandom, known as Bunnies, has defended the girls to no end.
On social media, they’d trend hashtags such as #ProtectNewJeans and #JusticeForNewJeans during big updates. They then argue that the group is being exploited and silenced by corporate interests and that their actions are justified as acts of self-preservation.
On online forums, they’d ban or delete posts that question the quintet’s side of the story; they’d even attack critics who’d counter their claims!
Blind Loyalty Over Critical Analysis
Their support then intensifies stan culture and parasocial relationships, which are one-sided emotional connections with public figures. Some Bunnies blindly support the group, dismissing negative information and blaming critics. Not only that, their online dominance stifles dissenting opinions and critical thinking.
As a result, Bunnies’ emotionally driven pleas overshadow what actually happened, especially in incidents wherein the girls are in the wrong. Fortunately, others have realized the repercussions of the girls’ actions. For example, several Bunnies launched rounds of protest truck rallies calling on the girls to “return to ADOR.”
READ: Solo vs. Group Concert: Weighing the Pros and Cons
NewJeans vs. ADOR is a prime example of the impact of stan culture against critical thinking. Because while we acknowledge fans supporting their idols, we also need to be thoughtful in how we support them. By then, we can contribute to a more informed and responsible industry.
