Veteran songwriter Yoon Il-sang has joined the growing list of industry figures speaking out on the NewJeans contract controversy, expressing heartfelt concern for the group and frustration with how the situation has unfolded. On May 2, Yoon shared his candid thoughts in a video titled “So Shin-sing! The NewJeans Incident and Behind-the-Scenes Insights of the Music Industry” on his official YouTube channel, as part of his ongoing series, The Brother L Production-seop Yoon Il-sang EP.07 Honsuk.

“This Isn’t Affection—It’s Endangerment”

Throughout the video, Yoon Il-sang did not hold back in his criticism. “The contract is no joke,” he repeated with emphasis. “You can’t claim to care about artists while putting them in danger. That’s not affection—that’s exploitation.” He went on to say, “It breaks my heart to see the NewJeans members like this. Someday, someone might regret this deeply.”

Adults Are Failing the Next Generation

The seasoned producer placed much of the blame on the adults managing the artists, stating that they were failing to protect the future of these young idols due to personal gain and self-interest. “The adults need to step in. This isn’t just a business deal—it’s someone’s life and future on the line.”

He drew a contrast between large agencies and smaller production companies, pointing out that while major labels have the upper hand in marketing and promotion, they often fall short in offering personalized care and emotional support. “Smaller companies may lack flashy PR, but they build real relationships. That’s often where artists truly grow,” he explained.

“This Isn’t the Right Platform to Criticize the Industry”

While expressing sympathy for NewJeans, Yoon also voiced reservations about how the controversy has been handled publicly. He noted that he would not want his own artists in the same situation, saying, “I would step in before things reached that point. That’s why companies exist—to protect, manage, and guide artists, especially when they’re young and vulnerable.”

He emphasized that while criticism of the industry may be warranted, doing so during public interviews might not be strategically sound, and could backfire on the artists themselves.

Background on the NewJeans Dispute

The NewJeans contract controversy began in November 2024, when the group held an emergency press conference alongside former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, announcing their intention to terminate their exclusive contract with Ador. They cited serious violations of their agreement.

In response, Ador challenged the move, filing for a provisional ban on the group’s independent activities, including signing their own endorsement deals. The Seoul Central District Court sided with Ador, dismissing the group’s appeal. Consequently, NewJeans were forced to halt all entertainment activities.

Following the ruling, the members expressed disappointment, saying, “We were hoping for change in the K-pop industry, but we didn’t expect overnight transformation.”

Industry Support and Growing Scrutiny

Yoon Il-sang’s remarks reflect a broader industry reckoning with how K-pop agencies treat young idols—particularly when it comes to contracts, legal autonomy, and mental health. His plea for greater accountability and artist-first management adds weight to the ongoing public discourse surrounding NewJeans and other artists navigating complex agency dynamics.