NewJeans faces a setback in their battle with record label Ador as they announce a hiatus after a court ruling restricts their activities.
NewJeans' Future in Limbo as Court Rules Against the K-Pop Sensation
NewJeans' Future in Limbo as Court Rules Against the K-Pop Sensation
K-Pop group NewJeans halts activities following court ruling against them
After experiencing a significant legal setback, the popular South Korean K-pop group NewJeans has announced a hiatus from all activities, following a court ruling that limited their ability to perform and create music. The five-member ensemble, who have sought to transition into a new branding as NJZ, made the announcement during their performance at ComplexCon in Hong Kong, where they also introduced their latest song "Pit Stop."
The ruling, made on Friday, restricts NewJeans from organizing appearances, producing music, or finalizing advertising contracts while they continue to dispute their record label, Ador. The group has been at odds with the label since August 2024, alleging misconduct, including the removal of their mentor, Min Hee-Jin, by Hybe, Ador's parent company. Their complaints also include accusations of systematic undermining of the band's career and allegations of workplace harassment from one member, Hanni.
Despite a public declaration of their intention to leave Ador, a Seoul court ruled that NewJeans hadn't sufficiently demonstrated that the label had broken any significant responsibilities outlined in their contract. The court found that Ador upheld most of its obligations, including financial payments. This ruling poses a substantial hurdle for NewJeans, as it limits their ability to operate under their desired new name, NJZ, without incurring severe financial penalties.
During the Hong Kong concert, which marked their first live appearance since the court decision, the quintet delivered an emotional message to their supporters. Members Hanni and Dani expressed, "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. It wasn't an easy decision, but we believed this is something we need to do at this moment." They emphasized their commitment to protecting their values and rights as artists.
The concert ended their one-hour set at the AsiaWorld Expo Arena, which was attended by over 11,000 fans. Despite the absence of a firm path forward, the group performed under the name NJZ, seemingly defying the court's ruling. In the aftermath, Ador publicly regretted the group's decision to continue performing under an alternate name, asserting their desire to support NewJeans in accordance with their exclusive contract. With NewJeans considered a major player in the K-pop scene, the outcome of this ongoing dispute could have significant implications for their future.
The ruling, made on Friday, restricts NewJeans from organizing appearances, producing music, or finalizing advertising contracts while they continue to dispute their record label, Ador. The group has been at odds with the label since August 2024, alleging misconduct, including the removal of their mentor, Min Hee-Jin, by Hybe, Ador's parent company. Their complaints also include accusations of systematic undermining of the band's career and allegations of workplace harassment from one member, Hanni.
Despite a public declaration of their intention to leave Ador, a Seoul court ruled that NewJeans hadn't sufficiently demonstrated that the label had broken any significant responsibilities outlined in their contract. The court found that Ador upheld most of its obligations, including financial payments. This ruling poses a substantial hurdle for NewJeans, as it limits their ability to operate under their desired new name, NJZ, without incurring severe financial penalties.
During the Hong Kong concert, which marked their first live appearance since the court decision, the quintet delivered an emotional message to their supporters. Members Hanni and Dani expressed, "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. It wasn't an easy decision, but we believed this is something we need to do at this moment." They emphasized their commitment to protecting their values and rights as artists.
The concert ended their one-hour set at the AsiaWorld Expo Arena, which was attended by over 11,000 fans. Despite the absence of a firm path forward, the group performed under the name NJZ, seemingly defying the court's ruling. In the aftermath, Ador publicly regretted the group's decision to continue performing under an alternate name, asserting their desire to support NewJeans in accordance with their exclusive contract. With NewJeans considered a major player in the K-pop scene, the outcome of this ongoing dispute could have significant implications for their future.
