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K-pop group NewJeans, currently in a legal battle with their agency Ador over the termination of their exclusive contract, has achieved a significant milestone in their career.
Their debut Japanese single Supernatural has been chosen as one of the “Best Songs of 2024” by the New York Times, and notably, New Jeans is the only K-pop artist to receive this prestigious honor.
Announced on December 9 (local time), Supernatural was one of the 68 songs selected for the highly anticipated “Song of the Year” list. This recognition comes from recommendations made by music critics who evaluate tracks based on their impact, creativity, and influence. New Jeans’ selection highlights the growing global influence of K-pop, particularly as the group continues to rise in popularity and distinction on the international stage.
Music critic Jon Caramanica, who recommended Supernatural, described the song as “one of the most stylish and impressive K-pop tracks in years,” praising its ability to merge both nostalgia and modern sophistication. Caramanica emphasized the group’s unique blend of sounds, noting how they’ve captured both a contemporary and timeless quality with their music. This recognition reinforces New Jeans’ reputation as one of the leading voices in K-pop today.
Supernatural, which was released in June 2024, marks New Jeans’ official entry into the Japanese market. The song, produced by Iogong (250) and Swedish composer Ylva Dimberg, quickly made waves upon its release, topping the Japanese Oricon chart on its debut day. In addition, Supernatural received a Gold disc certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan, an accolade signifying over 100,000 copies sold, further cementing the group’s success in Japan.
However, amidst their musical triumphs, NewJeans is entangled in a contentious legal dispute with their agency Adore over the termination of their exclusive contract. On November 29, the group publicly announced their decision to end their contract with Adore, stating that both Hive and Adore had breached the terms of the agreement. In a groundbreaking statement, NewJeans emphasized that they had not violated the terms of the contract and thus, should not be subject to penalties. They also announced that they would continue to pursue their careers independently, signaling a break from the agency.
In response to NewJeans’ announcement, Adore filed a lawsuit on December 3 with the Seoul Central District Court, seeking confirmation of the validity of their exclusive contract with the group. Adore explained that while they hoped to avoid legal proceedings, they felt the need to take legal action to clarify the matter and assert that the contract could not be terminated unilaterally based on the artists’ claims. According to Adore, it was necessary to establish to both the artists and other stakeholders that exclusive contracts are binding and cannot be dissolved without a legal resolution.
Despite the ongoing legal conflict, NewJeans has continued to maintain its momentum, focusing on their music and international activities. Their achievement in being named to the New York Times’ Best Songs of 2024 list is a testament to their growing influence in the global music industry, highlighting their ability to captivate audiences worldwide with their unique sound and style. As the group navigates both the music scene and their legal battles, all eyes will be on their next moves as they continue to shape the future of K-pop.
English (US) · 