**NewJeans Defies K-Pop Norms: Speaking Out Against Label Struggles**

**In their first interview post-ruling, NewJeans shares their emotional journey and commitment to advocating for their rights, countering the pressures of the K-Pop industry and their ongoing dispute with Ador.**

In a landmark moment for the K-Pop industry, NewJeans, the popular girl group, has spoken out about their ongoing legal battle with their label Ador, highlighting the immense courage it takes to challenge entrenched practices in a notoriously controlled environment. The group, consisting of members Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, Danielle, and Minji, has garnered attention for their bold move to separate from their label due to alleged mistreatment and harassment claims, a narrative rarely discussed in the public eye.

"It took a huge amount of courage to speak out," Haerin expressed in an emotional interview with the BBC, emphasizing the necessity of their fight. "This is what we've been through, and every choice we've made has been the best we could have made." NewJeans' sudden decision to break away last November was a significant rebellion against the typical K-Pop structure, where performers face immense pressure to conform.

Recently, a South Korean court ruled against NewJeans, enforcing a long-standing seven-year contract which Ador insists remains valid until 2029. The court's decision has shocked the group, especially coming while they were rehearsing in Hong Kong. “Some people think that we're famous enough to do whatever we want. But the truth is, it’s not like that,” Hyein remarked, shedding light on the often-unseen struggles faced by K-Pop idols.

The K-Pop industry, which rigidly enforces perfection and success, has often silenced grievances of its artists. NewJeans has depicted an unfiltered side of this world, spotlighting the interpersonal conflicts between the group and Ador, along with the backlash from industry giants like Hybe, which holds ownership of Ador. Ador responded to the allegations by insisting that most claims from NewJeans stem from "misunderstandings" and stated that it had met its contractual obligations.

The ruling, which prevents the group from engaging in independent activities, left the members in disbelief. The shock quickly turned into determination, as the group's emotional responses reflect the gravity of their situation. "I was stunned," Minji recounted after hearing the news. “At first, I thought I didn't hear her properly."

McHale, a long-standing mentor for the group and former Ador CEO, was central to the discord between NewJeans and the label. Amidst accusations on both sides, the public spat has drawn attention to the potential challenges artists face concerning agency and autonomy in their careers.

Despite the ongoing turmoil, the members assure fans that this fight is not the end. They maintain their aspirations to navigate the complexities ahead, stating their resolve to overcome challenges together. Hanni, poignantly noted, "Even if we do everything we can and it doesn't work out the way we hope, then we'll just have to leave it to time.”

NewJeans, rising to fame since their debut in 2022, were recently recognized as the eighth biggest-selling act globally, a drastic change from their current predicament. However, their recent hurdles have reignited discussions regarding the treatment of young artists in the K-Pop scene, as critics gauge their responses and approaches.

In the meantime, while waiting for legal proceedings to unfold, the group intends to prepare for their future endeavors and continue their fight for justice. Regardless of their hiatus, their commitment to support one another remains steadfast, and they hope to return even stronger. NewJeans reiterates, “If one person doesn’t want to do it, then we’re not going to do it. It has to be all five of us."