By Ju-min Park

SEOUL, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Members of NewJeans, one of

the most popular K-pop groups, said on Thursday that they were

leaving their agency ADOR, a subsidiary of powerhouse label HYBE

.

ADOR said however the agreement between it and the band

members "remains in full effect".

"Therefore, we respectfully request that the group continue

its collaboration with ADOR on upcoming activities, as has been

the practice to date," the firm said in a statement.

NewJeans has been caught up in infighting between executives

of the parent HYBE and ADOR's former chief executive who is the

band's creative director.

The latest controversy in the K-pop scene has gripped South

Korea this year, with accusations, audits and an emotional press

conference making headlines.

The five NewJeans members held a late-night press conference

to announce their departure from the agency and said they would

like to work with Min Hee-jin, ADOR's former chief who left the

agency this month.

"Once we leave ADOR, we'll aim to proceed freely with the

activities that we really desire," said Danielle, one of the

band members.

"We really wish to be able to release new music for Bunnies,

next year, as soon as possible, whenever," she said, referring

to their fans. "We really hope that we have the opportunity to

meet you guys from all around the world."

The members said they might not be able to use the band's

name once they terminated the contract with ADOR.