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Renowned South Korean filmmaker Byun Young‑joo publicly criticized the structural pressures of the K‑pop industry on Monday, highlighting the ongoing absence of chart‑topping girl group NewJeans from active promotions. The award‑winning director voiced her concerns during a recent appearance on the talk program “Jung Jun‑hee’s Saturday Debate,” arguing that systemic issues within artist management are harming both performers and fans.
Byun, a respected figure in Korean cinema known for her socially conscious works, described the situation as symptomatic of deeper industry challenges. “K‑pop is one of the pillars of South Korea’s cultural influence, yet we repeatedly see artists sidelined for extended periods due to internal disputes or administrative gridlock,” she said. “It’s time to reflect on how the system affects the creative and professional lives of these artists.”
Her comments came amid a widely publicized contract dispute involving NewJeans members and ADOR/HYBE, which has prevented the group from resuming full promotional activities for more than a year. Byun emphasized the damage prolonged inactivity inflicts on both the artists’ careers and the people who support them.
“Legal battles between companies or individuals should not cripple an artist’s ability to perform or share creative work with the public,” she added. “Artists deserve the right to continue their craft without being treated as collateral in corporate disputes.”
Byun’s critique also touched upon the broader entertainment ecosystem, suggesting that the current framework places undue focus on litigation and commercial interests over artistic continuity and long‑term fan engagement.
The ongoing tensions include a recent legal setback for NewJeans member Daniel, who lost part of her lawsuit over contract validity and expressed willingness to return to the group, only for ADOR to announce a contract termination. The company has also filed a 430-billion‑won damage suit involving Daniel, her family, and former ADOR CEO Min Hee‑jin.
Industry observers say the situation has reignited debate over artist rights, contract fairness and the need for structural reform as K‑pop continues to expand its global footprint.
Source:(N)
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