In a surprising announcement, K-pop group NewJeans revealed they will pause their activities following an unfavorable court decision in their ongoing dispute with record label Ador.
NewJeans Announce Activity Hiatus Following Court Setback

NewJeans Announce Activity Hiatus Following Court Setback
South Korean K-pop sensation NewJeans halts all performances after a court ruling against their label dispute.
The five-member act, currently rebranding as NJZ, broke the news during a performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong, stating, "this will be our last performance for a little while." This announcement comes after a court ruling that restricts the group from organizing appearances, making new music, or signing ads amid their disagreement with Ador.
The court's decision arrived last Friday, and the band, comprising Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Heyin, expressed their discontent with the ruling, as they seek to sever ties with Ador due to claims of mistreatment. They intend to challenge the court's decision.
Their concert in Hong Kong marked their first public engagement since the ruling, and during the event, they performed the new track "Pit Stop." In a heartfelt address to their fans, the members emphasized the significance of the stage and the importance of their supporters, stating that they are stepping back to protect their values and dignity.
"We believe this is something we need to do at this moment," they conveyed, hinting at their resilience to return stronger. Following their performance, Ador released a statement expressing regret over the group's decision to perform under the name NJZ, contrary to the court's ruling. The label reiterated its commitment to support NewJeans per the terms of their contract and expressed hope for a meeting to discuss future steps.
The dispute between NewJeans and Ador has escalated since August 2024, with the group alleging that their label has undermined their careers. Allegations of workplace harassment have further complicated their situation, particularly the assertions made by Hanni.
As NewJeans has been recognized as one of the brightest stars in the K-pop industry, gaining acclaim for their unique sound that fuses 90s R&B with contemporary pop, they achieved significant sales numbers in 2023, making them one of the top-selling acts globally. Their journey, unfortunately, is now overwhelmed with uncertainties stemming from the court ruling.
The Seoul court determined that NewJeans did not convincingly demonstrate that Ador violated its responsibilities within their contract, stating that the label had mostly fulfilled its obligations, including timely payments. The decision restricts the band's ability to independently pursue their rebranding efforts as NJZ without incurring financial penalties.
As they navigate this complex situation, fans await updates on this emerging chapter in NewJeans' career.
The court's decision arrived last Friday, and the band, comprising Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Heyin, expressed their discontent with the ruling, as they seek to sever ties with Ador due to claims of mistreatment. They intend to challenge the court's decision.
Their concert in Hong Kong marked their first public engagement since the ruling, and during the event, they performed the new track "Pit Stop." In a heartfelt address to their fans, the members emphasized the significance of the stage and the importance of their supporters, stating that they are stepping back to protect their values and dignity.
"We believe this is something we need to do at this moment," they conveyed, hinting at their resilience to return stronger. Following their performance, Ador released a statement expressing regret over the group's decision to perform under the name NJZ, contrary to the court's ruling. The label reiterated its commitment to support NewJeans per the terms of their contract and expressed hope for a meeting to discuss future steps.
The dispute between NewJeans and Ador has escalated since August 2024, with the group alleging that their label has undermined their careers. Allegations of workplace harassment have further complicated their situation, particularly the assertions made by Hanni.
As NewJeans has been recognized as one of the brightest stars in the K-pop industry, gaining acclaim for their unique sound that fuses 90s R&B with contemporary pop, they achieved significant sales numbers in 2023, making them one of the top-selling acts globally. Their journey, unfortunately, is now overwhelmed with uncertainties stemming from the court ruling.
The Seoul court determined that NewJeans did not convincingly demonstrate that Ador violated its responsibilities within their contract, stating that the label had mostly fulfilled its obligations, including timely payments. The decision restricts the band's ability to independently pursue their rebranding efforts as NJZ without incurring financial penalties.
As they navigate this complex situation, fans await updates on this emerging chapter in NewJeans' career.