The South Korean K-pop phenomenon NewJeans has declared a hiatus from all future activities after a recent court decision delivered a setback in their legal battle with their record label, Ador. The five-member group, now also known as NJZ, made the announcement during their performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong, expressing, “this will be our last performance for a little while.”
The court's ruling last Friday prohibits NewJeans from hosting their own events, creating music, or entering advertising agreements during the ongoing dispute. The band has accused Ador, part of Hybe Corporation, of mistreating them and seeks to sever ties with the label, aiming to fight the court's recent verdict.
The conflict traces back to August 2024 when alleged management issues led to the ousting of their mentor, Min Hee-Jin, sparking a series of complaints from the group about being undermined in their career progress. One member, Hanni, even cited instances of workplace harassment.
At a press briefing in November, the group publicly announced their intent to leave the label, criticizing Hybe and Ador for not honoring their contractual obligations. However, the court found that NewJeans did not provide adequate evidence of contractual violations, stating that Ador fulfilled most of its obligations, including timely payments.
Unfortunately for the group, the ruling complicates their rebranding efforts as NJZ, potentially subjecting them to financial penalties if they defy the court order. Their concert in Hong Kong, serving as their first public performance since the judicial ruling, carried an emotional weight as the artists expressed their deep connection to their audience.
Addressing the crowd, Hanni and Dani articulately conveyed the difficulty in announcing their hiatus, emphasizing it was a necessary step for their well-being and future. “This isn’t an easy decision,” they remarked, attributing it to preserving their dignity and standing up for their rights.
The performance ended with a bittersweet note, as they aim to return refreshed and stronger. Following the concert, Ador released a statement expressing regret over the group's decision to perform under a different name in defiance of the court. They reaffirmed their commitment to the group's needs while hoping to discuss future paths promptly.
NewJeans, gaining a reputation as one of the leading new groups in K-pop and ranked as the eighth best-selling act globally in 2023, faces a challenging period ahead as they regroup during this hiatus.
