NewJeans Announces Hiatus Following Legal Setback in Record Label Dispute

NewJeans, the rising K-pop sensation, has decided to pause all activities after a court ruled against them in an ongoing conflict with their label, Ador.

South Korean K-pop sensation NewJeans has officially announced a hiatus from their activities following a recent court ruling that went against them in their protracted legal struggle with their record label, Ador. The five-member group, made up of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Heyin, revealed their decision during a performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong, indicating that they would no longer be engaging in public engagements for the foreseeable future.

The court's ruling prohibited the group from organizing performances, releasing music, or signing advertising agreements while the dispute with Ador is ongoing. NewJeans expressed their desire to sever ties with the label, citing allegations of mistreatment, and have indicated plans to appeal the ruling.

The Hong Kong concert also marked the debut of their new single, “Pit Stop.” After the performance, the group took a moment to address their fans, sharing a heartfelt message in both English and Korean. Hanni and Danielle conveyed their emotions, stating, "This stage means so much to us and to every single one of you who gives us strength just by being here. It is really hard for us to say this, but this might be our last performance for a little while."

They expressed that the choice to pause their activities was a difficult one but necessary for their well-being, noting, "Out of respect for the court's decision, we've decided to pause all our activities for now." The group emphasized their commitment to their values and their determination to return even stronger.

In response to the group’s decision to perform under a new name, NJZ, Ador expressed disappointment at what they referred to as a contravention of the court order. They reaffirmed their support for NewJeans, insisting that they remain committed to fulfilling the terms of their existing contract.

The conflict between NewJeans and Ador has escalated since August 2024, as the group made public various grievances against the label, including claims of career undermining and allegations of workplace harassment faced by member Hanni. The Seoul court ruled that NewJeans had not sufficiently proven any contract violations by Ador, noting that the label had largely met its obligations, including compensation.

This decision restricts NewJeans from pursuing independent activities, complicating their rebranding efforts under the name NJZ and risking punitive financial consequences for breaching their contract. As one of the most prominent new acts in K-Pop, renowned for their distinctive mix of 1990s R&B influences and catchy pop sounds, NewJeans had previously gained immense success, including being nominated for Best Group at the MTV Awards and ranking as the eighth biggest-selling act globally in 2023.