South Korean K-pop group NewJeans has announced a break from all activities after a court ruled against them in their legal dispute with their record label, Ador.
The five-member group, which attempted to rebrand as NJZ, performed at ComplexCon Hong Kong on Sunday. During their set, they revealed that this would be their “last performance for a little while.”
The announcement came after the court ruled that NewJeans cannot organize their own activities, release music, or sign deals independently during their ongoing contract dispute with Ador.
NewJeans has been in conflict with Ador since August 2024, following the removal of their mentor, Min Hee-Jin, by Hybe, the parent company of Ador. The group accused the label of mistreatment and career sabotage and later attempted to cut ties with the company. Member Hanni also claimed she experienced workplace harassment at Ador.
In November 2024, NewJeans publicly declared their departure from Ador, saying the company had lost the right to manage them. However, last Friday, a Seoul court ruled against them, stating that Ador had fulfilled its contractual duties, including payments. The court’s decision prevents the group from operating under NJZ without financial penalties.
At their Hong Kong concert, NewJeans members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Heyin addressed fans in English and Korean. They said the hiatus was necessary to “protect themselves” and promised to return stronger.
Ador responded on Monday, criticizing the group for performing under the name NJZ despite the court order and for making a unilateral decision to pause activities. The company insisted it remains committed to supporting NewJeans under the terms of their contract.
NewJeans, one of the biggest rising acts in K-pop, was the eighth best-selling music act worldwide in 2023. Their future remains uncertain as they prepare to appeal the court’s ruling.
