In a recent move that has sent ripples through the K-pop industry, NewJeans announced a suspension of their public activities after facing setbacks in their ongoing legal dispute with their record label, Ador.
NewJeans Pauses Activities Amid Legal Struggle with Record Label
NewJeans Pauses Activities Amid Legal Struggle with Record Label
South Korean K-pop sensation NewJeans announces a hiatus following a court ruling limiting their artistic freedom.
The five-member group, which has been rebranding themselves as NJZ, shared this news during their performance at ComplexCon in Hong Kong, marking what they characterized as their last show "for a little while" after unveiling their new track, "Pit Stop."
The controversy escalated following a Seoul court ruling that prohibited NewJeans from organizing any public appearances, producing music, or signing endorsement deals amidst their ongoing legal battle with Ador. The ruling emerged from a lawsuit initiated by the group, which accuses the label of mistreatment, particularly following the alleged forced ouster of their mentor, Min Hee-Jin, in mid-2024 by Hybe, Ador’s parent company.
In a public ultimatum, NewJeans demanded Min's reinstatement, and when Hybe declined, the group brought numerous allegations to the forefront, claiming the label systematically undermined their potential. These concerns included claims of workplace harassment made by member Hanni.
In November, the group formally announced their intention to depart from Ador, arguing that both Hybe and Ador had forfeited their rights to represent them as artists. However, the court found that the group's claims lacked sufficient evidence to support their allegations of a breach of contract by Ador, noting that the label had largely fulfilled its contractual obligations, including timely payments.
This ruling delivers a significant blow to NewJeans as it restricts their ability to transition to their new branding, NJZ, without risking severe penalties for violating their contract. Following the court's decision, the group made their appearance at the Hong Kong concert, where they addressed an audience of over 11,000 fans, delivering heartfelt messages in both English and Korean.
"It truly pains us to announce this, but we feel compelled to take a break for the time being, out of respect for the court’s decision," shared Hanni and Dani. They emphasized the importance of this decision in protecting their integrity and values.
Despite the ruling, NewJeans performed under their new name, NJZ, seemingly disregarding the court’s orders. In response, Ador expressed disappointment over the group's choice to act against the ruling and reiterated their commitment to support NewJeans in accordance with the contract.
Amidst this legal turmoil, NewJeans continues to be recognized as a leading force in K-Pop, having achieved remarkable sales figures that placed them as one of the top-selling acts globally in 2023.
The controversy escalated following a Seoul court ruling that prohibited NewJeans from organizing any public appearances, producing music, or signing endorsement deals amidst their ongoing legal battle with Ador. The ruling emerged from a lawsuit initiated by the group, which accuses the label of mistreatment, particularly following the alleged forced ouster of their mentor, Min Hee-Jin, in mid-2024 by Hybe, Ador’s parent company.
In a public ultimatum, NewJeans demanded Min's reinstatement, and when Hybe declined, the group brought numerous allegations to the forefront, claiming the label systematically undermined their potential. These concerns included claims of workplace harassment made by member Hanni.
In November, the group formally announced their intention to depart from Ador, arguing that both Hybe and Ador had forfeited their rights to represent them as artists. However, the court found that the group's claims lacked sufficient evidence to support their allegations of a breach of contract by Ador, noting that the label had largely fulfilled its contractual obligations, including timely payments.
This ruling delivers a significant blow to NewJeans as it restricts their ability to transition to their new branding, NJZ, without risking severe penalties for violating their contract. Following the court's decision, the group made their appearance at the Hong Kong concert, where they addressed an audience of over 11,000 fans, delivering heartfelt messages in both English and Korean.
"It truly pains us to announce this, but we feel compelled to take a break for the time being, out of respect for the court’s decision," shared Hanni and Dani. They emphasized the importance of this decision in protecting their integrity and values.
Despite the ruling, NewJeans performed under their new name, NJZ, seemingly disregarding the court’s orders. In response, Ador expressed disappointment over the group's choice to act against the ruling and reiterated their commitment to support NewJeans in accordance with the contract.
Amidst this legal turmoil, NewJeans continues to be recognized as a leading force in K-Pop, having achieved remarkable sales figures that placed them as one of the top-selling acts globally in 2023.
