NewJeans, the renowned South Korean K-pop group, has declared a temporary halt on all activities following a recent court verdict unfavorable to their ongoing conflict with their label, Ador. The five-member band, who had attempted to rebrand themselves as NJZ, made the announcement during their latest performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong. "This will be our last show for a little while," they stated, after introducing their new track, "Pit Stop."
Last Friday, a Seoul court barred NewJeans from organizing performances, producing music, or engaging in advertising contracts amidst their legal contention with Ador. The band is striving to sever ties with their label, accusing it of mistreating them, and they plan to contest the court's ruling.
The discord with the label dates back to August 2024; it began after Hybe, Ador's parent company, purportedly ousted their mentor, Min Hee-Jin. Following this, NewJeans issued an ultimatum demanding her reinstatement. When Hybe rejected this demand, the group publicly detailed grievances claiming that the label was intentionally sabotaging their careers. Member Hanni also alleged instances of workplace harassment while associated with the label.
In a press conference held in November, NewJeans publicly announced their intention to depart from Ador, stating that both Hybe and Ador had forfeited their right to represent them. The court ruled against the band, asserting that their claims did not convincingly prove that Ador breached contract obligations, noting that the label had largely fulfilled its duties, including making payments.
This ruling compounds the challenges for NewJeans, as it restricts their capacity to independently promote their new brand identity as NJZ without incurring severe financial penalties. Their performance in Hong Kong was their first public engagement since the court's decision.
During their set, each member took turns to address their fans in both English and Korean, stating, "This stage means so much to us and to each of you who give us strength." They revealed, "It is very difficult for us to announce this, but we have decided to take a break from all our activities out of respect for the court's decision. It was not easy, but we feel it’s necessary."
They reasserted that the decision was aimed at safeguarding their values and concluded with determination that they stood firm on their rights. The hour-long performance took place in front of a raucous audience of over 11,000 attendees at Hong Kong's AsiaWorld Expo Arena, where they embraced their new name NJZ, despite the court’s order.
In a response, Ador expressed regret over NewJeans’ decision to perform under a different name and their unilateral announcement of a hiatus. The label stated, “Ador is fully committed to supporting NewJeans according to our valid exclusive contract. We hope to meet with the artists soon to discuss our path forward.” NewJeans is recognized as one of the most promising new acts in K-Pop, having attained significant popularity with their massive sales in 2023.
Last Friday, a Seoul court barred NewJeans from organizing performances, producing music, or engaging in advertising contracts amidst their legal contention with Ador. The band is striving to sever ties with their label, accusing it of mistreating them, and they plan to contest the court's ruling.
The discord with the label dates back to August 2024; it began after Hybe, Ador's parent company, purportedly ousted their mentor, Min Hee-Jin. Following this, NewJeans issued an ultimatum demanding her reinstatement. When Hybe rejected this demand, the group publicly detailed grievances claiming that the label was intentionally sabotaging their careers. Member Hanni also alleged instances of workplace harassment while associated with the label.
In a press conference held in November, NewJeans publicly announced their intention to depart from Ador, stating that both Hybe and Ador had forfeited their right to represent them. The court ruled against the band, asserting that their claims did not convincingly prove that Ador breached contract obligations, noting that the label had largely fulfilled its duties, including making payments.
This ruling compounds the challenges for NewJeans, as it restricts their capacity to independently promote their new brand identity as NJZ without incurring severe financial penalties. Their performance in Hong Kong was their first public engagement since the court's decision.
During their set, each member took turns to address their fans in both English and Korean, stating, "This stage means so much to us and to each of you who give us strength." They revealed, "It is very difficult for us to announce this, but we have decided to take a break from all our activities out of respect for the court's decision. It was not easy, but we feel it’s necessary."
They reasserted that the decision was aimed at safeguarding their values and concluded with determination that they stood firm on their rights. The hour-long performance took place in front of a raucous audience of over 11,000 attendees at Hong Kong's AsiaWorld Expo Arena, where they embraced their new name NJZ, despite the court’s order.
In a response, Ador expressed regret over NewJeans’ decision to perform under a different name and their unilateral announcement of a hiatus. The label stated, “Ador is fully committed to supporting NewJeans according to our valid exclusive contract. We hope to meet with the artists soon to discuss our path forward.” NewJeans is recognized as one of the most promising new acts in K-Pop, having attained significant popularity with their massive sales in 2023.
