NewJeans, the popular K-pop group, has announced a hiatus from all performances and activities after a court ruling blocked them from pursuing independent efforts amid their ongoing conflict with their management label, Ador.
NewJeans Announces Activity Hiatus Following Court Ruling Against Them
NewJeans Announces Activity Hiatus Following Court Ruling Against Them
K-pop sensation NewJeans pauses activities after a court dispute with their label, Ador.
South Korean K-pop group NewJeans has declared a break from future activities following a disappointing court ruling against them in their dispute with record label Ador. The five-member group shared this news during their performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong on Sunday, after presenting their new song “Pit Stop.” The court ruling, issued on Friday, prohibits the group from scheduling appearances, creating music, or entering into advertising contracts while their legal battle with Ador continues.
NewJeans is striving to sever ties with Ador, citing allegations of mistreatment by the label. They intend to appeal the court’s decision, which the group claims does not reflect the reality of their working relationship. The legal turmoil has been ongoing since August 2024, when they alleged Hybe, Ador's parent company, forced the group's mentor, Min Hee-Jin, out of the picture. In reaction to Hybe's refusal to restore Min to her position, NewJeans presented several grievances, including accusations of career sabotage by the label, which Ador denies.
Amid the controversy, member Hanni reported experiencing workplace harassment while under the label's management. In a press conference in November, the group confirmed their departure from Ador, arguing that Hybe and Ador had forfeited their right to represent them. The Seoul District Court ruled that the group's claims did not convincingly demonstrate that Ador had neglected its contractual obligations, asserting that the label had mostly fulfilled its responsibilities, including timely payments.
As a result of the court's decision, NewJeans faces challenges in rebranding themselves as NJZ without incurring financial penalties for breach of contract. Their Sunday concert in Hong Kong was the group's first public performance since the ruling, and the members emotionally addressed their fans in both English and Korean, stating, "It is really hard for us to say this, but this might be our last performance for a little while. Out of respect for the court's decision, we've decided to pause all our activities for now."
The group expressed that this decision was not made lightly but was necessary for their well-being and future. They emphasized their need to advocate for their values, stating, "We surely believe that standing up for our dignity, our rights, and everything we deeply care about is something we had to do, and that belief will not change." Their performance, which took place in front of an audience of over 11,000 fans at Hong Kong's AsiaWorld Expo Arena, was carried out under their alternate name, NJZ, which appeared to defy the recent ruling.
In response to the group's actions, Ador expressed regret over their decision to perform under a different name than NewJeans, despite the court's directive. They reinforced their commitment to supporting NewJeans and expressed their eagerness to discuss future directions with the artists. NewJeans has gained significant recognition in the K-pop industry, ranking as one of the top-selling acts globally in 2023.
