KMCA Boycotting NewJeans: Is It a Violation of the 'JYJ Act'
Published February 24, 2025
The K-pop industry is no stranger to controversies, and the latest buzz involves NewJeans and the Korea Music Copyright Association (KMCA). With the group’s label ADOR caught up in internal conflicts with its parent company, HYBE, KMCA’s alleged boycott of NewJeans has sparked discussions about the legality of such actions—especially in light of the so-called “JYJ Act.” So, let’s break it down: what is the JYJ Act, how has it protected artists in the past, and is the NewJeans situation really the same?
What Is the JYJ Act?
The “JYJ Act” isn’t an official legal term, but rather a nickname for broadcasting regulations implemented to protect artists from being unfairly blacklisted after contract disputes. It originates from the case of JYJ, a trio formed by former TVXQ members Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu.
After leaving SM Entertainment in 2009 due to contract issues, JYJ faced industry-wide suppression, particularly in television broadcasts. Despite their popularity, major networks allegedly refused to air their performances due to pressure from powerful entertainment agencies.
The backlash against this kind of industry control led to regulations preventing broadcasters from banning artists without justifiable cause. While the act primarily targets television networks, its spirit aims to ensure fair treatment for all artists, regardless of their company affiliations.
How Has the JYJ Act Helped Artists in Korea?
Thanks to these regulations, artists who leave their original companies now have a stronger legal standing against industry-wide blacklisting. It set a precedent that no entertainment company should be able to unfairly restrict an artist’s career.
We’ve seen its effects with various artists who terminated their contracts and still managed to continue their careers. While challenges remain, the broadcasting ban that once plagued JYJ is now far less common, allowing artists to have more freedom and opportunities even after legal disputes.
How Is NewJeans’ Situation Different?
The controversy with KMCA and NewJeans is a bit more complex. While the JYJ Act deals with broadcasting bans, KMCA is an organization focused on copyright and music royalties. Reports suggest that KMCA has excluded NewJeans from their recent events due to the ongoing legal battle between ADOR’s CEO Min Hee-jin and HYBE.
However, this isn’t a clear-cut violation of the JYJ Act, as it doesn’t directly involve television broadcasts. Still, the spirit of the act—protecting artists from unfair industry treatment—raises concerns. If NewJeans is being blacklisted for reasons beyond their control, it could set a troubling precedent for artists caught in company disputes.
While the JYJ Act was a game-changer for artist rights in K-pop, it doesn’t necessarily apply in the same way to NewJeans’ current situation. However, the industry’s history of blacklisting is exactly why fans are wary of how NewJeans is being treated. Whether this escalates into a larger legal issue remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the discussion around artist rights in K-pop is far from over.
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