🔗 2024-07-23 ADOR Official Statement (Full Text)

Hello, this is ADOR.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all the fans who cherish and love NewJeans.

From the release of the “Bubble Gum” music video on April 26 to last week’s “Supernatural” music show promotions, we are deeply moved to have successfully completed an eventful three months of activities and to celebrate NewJeans’ second debut anniversary.

From broadcast promotions in Korea and Japan to the Tokyo Dome fan meeting, it was a time when we felt the profound love of fans who supported NewJeans on various stages. We extend our heartfelt gratitude especially to the NewJeans members and all the staff who worked tirelessly to ensure all schedules proceeded without disruption despite unexpected difficulties, as well as to everyone who helped and to Bunnies everywhere.

However, we are also well aware of the voices of concern regarding stories that differ from the facts being spread unfiltered through the media and social media amidst this joyous time.

Since correcting distorted facts is also important, we would like to address these matters.

📌 Facts Regarding the “Bubble Gum” Plagiarism Allegations

1. Following the release of the “Bubble Gum” music video on April 26, we received an email on May 20 via HYBE from Edition Korea, the Korean representative of UK’s Wise Music Group (Shakatak’s agency), raising concerns about similarities.

2. In response, on May 21, the composers of our “Bubble Gum” replied stating that they had never heard “Easier Said Than Done” before Shakatak’s claim and therefore did not use Shakatak’s composition without authorization.

3. Considering that the dispute with HYBE was escalating at the time when this issue began receiving media attention around May 13, ADOR had already commissioned professional analysis from two renowned international musicologists to prepare for the possibility that the matter might be misrepresented beyond its essence.

4. Subsequently, on June 17, we received a formal notice from Shakatak’s domestic legal representative, and on June 21, we officially responded stating that “since we have already replied that we did not use Shakatak’s composition without authorization, we request that they submit a credible analysis report proving unauthorized use.”

📌 Our Position

The two songs “Bubble Gum” and “Easier Said Than Done” differ in their chord progressions (D major9 x2 – C# minor7 – F# minor7), BPM, and overall mood and flow. In particular, the claim of “unauthorized use” in this matter is completely untrue, and it appears to be simply a case where a short one-bar melodic phrase shows some similarity. However, it is difficult to claim that this melodic phrase is uniquely characteristic to “Easier Said Than Done.” This is because it is a type of melodic line commonly found in much popular music across genres, from songs released before “Easier Said Than Done” to the present day.

Based on this, we have strongly refuted the plagiarism allegations, and if further rebuttal is needed, we have requested that the claiming party resume discussions with a credible analysis report. In the process of determining plagiarism related to music releases—that is, in checking the similarity of musical compositions—submitting or requesting reports is a very natural and standard procedure. However, we express regret that some media outlets, without understanding this process, portrayed our request for an analysis report from the claiming party as if ADOR were making a demand that violates industry ethics. If one believes there is no issue, the normal course is to go through a process of determining right and wrong rather than secretly negotiating costs or trying to sweep things under the rug. Despite this being clearly the proper procedure and normal course of action for responding to such claims, ADOR currently faces perplexing situations on multiple fronts.

📌 Issues and Limitations of HYBE Handling ADOR’s PR and Legal Affairs

In particular, we have discovered various problems in the way some media outlets are covering this issue and in our communication and response with HYBE, which handles ADOR’s PR.

Despite the fact that we are following standard response procedures, articles are pouring out that ignore the progress made so far and problematize ADOR as if we are responding abnormally, along with exaggerated and biased reports whose facts have not been properly verified. Some outlets in particular show clear intent to manufacture negative issues by dragging in unrelated matters, adding to the severity of the problem by distorting even the achievements from our recent activities in Japan with false information and simultaneously publishing articles with distorted facts citing unreliable sources with questionable credibility to spread false information.

Furthermore, we question the communication within HYBE after the claim was filed and the way HYBE, which handles ADOR’s PR, is dealing with the media.

Shakatak’s side initially raised the issue through HYBE’s email account. Generally, such matters should be shared with the relevant label first, and then disseminated to appropriate related departments with the label’s consent and decision. However, HYBE distributed this sensitive matter to multiple departments without ADOR’s consent, causing the responding parties to this case to expand unnecessarily. Moreover, rather than first working closely with the label to find solutions and minimize the spread of negative issues, they showed a lukewarm and neglectful attitude until ADOR made requests, and continuous objections are being raised to this day.

Because legal and PR functions are centralized at HYBE rather than at individual labels, HYBE is essentially responsible for protecting NewJeans from various disputes. ADOR has voiced concerns about service improvements multiple times in the past.

📌 Progress on ADOR’s Independent Problem Resolution

‼️ Due to numerous complaints to DCinside as the content on page 5 was being interpreted differently from its intended meaning, we hereby clarify by adding that “agency hotline” refers to “agency post reporting hotline.” ‼️

Given these circumstances, ADOR is doing its best to resolve issues through our own efforts. In fact, this matter is being handled by Beasts And Natives Alike, which is responsible for NewJeans’ music, and the legal department of the publisher to which the composers belong. ADOR is also conducting article monitoring through our own personnel and making efforts to correct factually inaccurate content. We are also making efforts to respond to malicious comments and reverse viral campaigns. After receiving feedback from HYBE’s legal team that it is difficult to catch malicious commenters on DCinside, especially the so-called “floating” anonymous commenters, ADOR’s CEO Min Hee-jin, out of frustration, personally requested a meeting with DCinside CEO Kim Yu-sik to actively discuss measures for identifying and eradicating malicious commenters. Through this meeting, we learned that an agency post reporting hotline has existed and that through close cooperation with investigative agencies, even malicious comments from users without accounts can be tracked down. This is content that was explained and confirmed by CEO Kim Yu-sik, and the reason for disclosing this is to warn those who neglect malicious commenters based on the groundless rumor that anonymous community activity is difficult to detect, or who use this to commit wrongdoing. Currently, ADOR is taking all possible measures to eradicate the practice of posting malicious comments under the cover of anonymity. We would like to make clear that even if it takes time, we are actively exploring all methods to protect NewJeans.

Having successfully concluded these promotions after going through many difficult processes, NewJeans will take a rest period for recharging before preparing to return with a new look. However, in the meantime, we plan to surprise fans with unexpected schedules and content, so please look forward to it.

Thank you sincerely for always loving NewJeans.