NewJeans Announces Complete Suspension of All Activities Following Court Order...Pointing Out Structural Issues in K-POP Industry

K-POP group NewJeans has decided to halt all its activities after losing a lengthy legal dispute with its agency, ADOR. On the 21st, the Seoul Central District Court granted ADOR’s request for an injunction prohibiting NewJeans from conducting independent activities, prompting the group to temporarily stop performing. On the 23rd (local time), NewJeans made a shocking announcement during their performance at “ComplexCon Hong Kong” held at the Hong Kong Asia World Expo. Member Hanni stated, “We have decided to temporarily suspend all our activities out of respect for the court’s decision.” Five members—including Minzy, Hyein, Haerin, Jay, and Hyunji—read a letter written in both English and Korean in front of their fans. They said, “This is not an easy decision, but we believe it is something we need to do at this moment,” while emphasizing, “We do not regret breaking away from ADOR.” NewJeans suddenly left ADOR 11 months ago, in November of last year. At that time, the members accused ADOR of unfair treatment due to “workplace harassment” and “discrimination,” and then pursued independent activities under the new team name NJZ. However, ADOR filed an injunction with the court in January to stop this, and the court accepted it. ADOR claimed that their contract remained valid until July 2029. Although disappointed by the court’s decision, NewJeans’ members insisted their actions were justified. Hyein explained her decision to go independent by saying, “They treated me like a child when it suited them but expected me to act like an adult at other times. It was really difficult.” Haerin added, “Nothing fundamental has changed, but by rebranding as NJZ, we now have greater creative freedom and a broader artistic scope.” The members also highlighted structural problems throughout the K-POP industry. Hanni stressed the need for industry reform by saying, “There are structural issues in K-POP. Companies treat artists not as real people but as products.” Minzy said, “At first, I wondered why this had to happen to me, but now I have grown through this experience.” The members also defended former CEO Niel, stating, “Niel was like a shield, protecting us from many of the difficulties we are facing now.” They added, “It seems South Korea wants to turn us into revolutionaries,” expressing hope that their resistance would serve as a signal for change across the entire K-POP industry. ADOR expressed regret over NewJeans’ decision. In a statement, ADOR said, “We regret the members’ decision to perform under another name despite the court order, and we hope to meet with the artists soon to discuss their future direction.” NewJeans concluded an interview by saying, “If this changes anything in the K-POP industry, then it has; if not, it hasn’t. Either way, we are truly proud of ourselves.” The first court hearing is scheduled for April 3rd, and legal battles between the two sides are likely to continue.