K-Pop Group Newjeans Announces Break
Following their performance at Anplara in Hong Kong on Sunday (March 23), the K-Pop group Newjeans announced an indefinite hiatus just days after a Seoul court released a ruling that prevents them from working regardless of their label.
On Friday (March 21), the Central District Court of Seoul granted Hybe and Ador the request to enforce a court injunction against Newja, who has rebranded as N. DZHZ, restricting them from conducting any commercial activities outside their contract with Ador.
Contract Dispute and Court Ruling
This follows a November 2024 claim by Newja that their contract with Ador was invalid due to consistent mistreatment and mockery from Ador’s employees amid an ongoing conflict with the label’s former general manager, Min Hee-Jin.
After the court’s ruling, a representative from Ador expressed gratitude for what they deemed a reasonable decision regarding the preliminary court injunction.
“We will be fully present in Complex this weekend, ensuring that the performance is under the name in New Jus. We look forward to a spiritual meeting with the artists at the earliest opportunity,” they stated.
However, on Sunday, the group performed as NJZ, not Newjeans, at Complexcon in Hong Kong, shocking their audience of 11,000 with the announcement to “suspend all activities” following their performance, which included the debut of a new song, Pete -stop.
“Out of respect for the court decision, we decided to pause our entire activity.
Newja
“It is truly difficult for us to convey this, but it may be our last performance for a while. Out of respect for the court decision, we’ve chosen to suspend all our activities. This wasn’t an easy decision, but we believe it is necessary at this moment,” the group members stated after their performance.
“We firmly believe that standing up for our dignity and rights is crucial, and this conviction will not waver,” added NJZ/Newjeans.
Future Plans and Group’s Response
The group stated their intention to contest additional issues during the objection process, pledging to stand firmly with supporting materials and disputing the decision.
“As we’ve reiterated, we, NJZ, cannot collaborate with an agency that belittles our character and undermines our achievements, regardless of financial matters. Our lawsuit’s purpose is to protect our values and rights,” they declared after a court session on Friday.
CNN reported on Monday (March 24) that, despite the ruling, elements of the new NJZ brand were visible during the performance in Hong Kong, with some members wearing pantyhose stating “Chapter NJZ.” The group also reportedly refrained from performing songs from their back catalog, opting for solo covers instead before debuting their new track.
“We regret the decision of the members to continue working under a name different from New Lygs, despite the court ruling, and their unilateral announcement of halting activity.”
Ador
In response to the group’s announcement on Sunday, Ador expressed disappointment over their choice to perform under a different name in defiance of the court ruling and their unilateral announcement of a suspension of activities.
“Ador remains fully committed to supporting New Daizites, per our legally valid exclusive contract. We hope to meet with the artists soon to discuss a path forward,” the statement concluded.
The conflict for Newja reflects tense times for Hybe, which recently revealed a pure loss of Circle 3.38 billion (2.48 million dollars) in 2024 compared to a net profit of KRV 183.45 billion in 2023, amid increasing costs and weaknesses in their recorded music segment.
The company attributed part of this decline to BTS entering a temporary hiatus. This group has historically generated over 95% of the company’s income, but contributed less than 20% in 2024.
Ador and New Jania are set to meet in court on April 3, which will shape the long-term future of the K-Pop group and Hybe label.
Below is the complete statement from Newjeans at Complexcon, excerpted from SOOMPI:
This stage means so much to us and to each of you who gives us strength, just by being here. It is indeed challenging for us to announce this, but this may be our last performance for a while. Out of respect for the court decision, we decided to suspend all our activities. This was not an easy choice, but we believe it is necessary at this moment.
Honestly, we knew from the very beginning that this journey wouldn’t be easy, and even though we’re handling the court’s decision and this entire process, we felt compelled to stand up for the values we believe in, and this is a choice we do not regret at all. We firmly believe that defending our dignity, rights, and everything that concerns us is essential, and this belief will not change.
We understand that today’s news may be disappointing or frustrating, but for us, it was a hard decision to make. However, right now, we are focusing on protecting ourselves so that we can return even stronger.
There have been many challenges we had to face… things that we genuinely recognize. But even through this, there are countless things we wished to share and many exciting plans that we look forward to announcing. But for now, it is simply too hard to continue at this pace, and as much as we want to stay active, it has genuinely taken a toll on us mentally and emotionally. However, this does not mean we will give up. We will forge ahead, no matter what, and we truly appreciate the love and support you guys from Complexcon have given us, which has fueled our strength.
At this moment, our hearts are quite worn out, and it’s become increasingly challenging to maintain this pace. But this does not imply we will surrender; we will keep pushing forward. Thanks to the decision we made, we respect the court’s ruling, and we are simply stepping back to pause, breathe, and gather our hearts and ourselves before progressing onward.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who believes in us and supports us through everything, we love you so much. We cannot fully express our gratitude, and we promise, regardless of the circumstances, we will reunite.
NewJeans announce hiatus after court grants injunction to HYBE-owned ADOR
