In a surprising turn of events, South Korean K-pop group NewJeans has announced a temporary hiatus from all activities following a recent court ruling in their ongoing legal dispute with their record label, Ador. The five-member ensemble, who has recently sought to rebrand themselves as NJZ, disclosed their decision during a performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong on Sunday, where they premiered their new track "Pit Stop."
The legal setback comes after a court ruling last Friday prohibited NewJeans from organizing performances, creating music, or signing advertising agreements amidst their ongoing litigation against Ador. The group has claimed mistreatment from the label and intends to challenge the court's decision.
During their concert, which was their first public appearance since the ruling, all five members—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Heyin—read a heartfelt letter to their fans in both English and Korean. Hanni and Dani expressed their emotional connection to the performance and stressed the importance of their decision to pause their activities in adherence to the court's ruling. "We believe this is something we need to do at this moment," they said, although they also reassured fans that this choice was made for their long-term benefit.
The members conveyed their commitment to advocating for their rights and dignity, emphasizing this a pivotal moment for them as artists. The concert concluded in front of more than 11,000 fans at the AsiaWorld Expo Arena, where NewJeans performed under their new name NJZ, seemingly in defiance of the court's mandate.
In response, Ador expressed regret over the members' choice to perform under an alternative name, stating their ongoing commitment to support NewJeans within the bounds of their legally established contract. The label expressed a desire to meet with the group to discuss a possible resolution.
The conflict between NewJeans and Ador, which began in August 2024, involves serious allegations, including claims of workplace harassment from some members. The court's ruling indicated that the group's assertions did not adequately demonstrate a breach of contract by Ador, citing that the label had largely fulfilled its obligations, including financial commitments.
NewJeans is recognized as a prominent force in K-Pop, with a distinctive sound that fuses 1990s R&B and contemporary pop, and in 2023, they were among the world’s top-selling music acts. Their successful career includes a notable nomination last year for best group at the MTV Awards, reflecting their significant impact on the music industry.
