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| ▲ In this file photo, members of K-pop girl group NJZ, formerly NewJeans, answer reporters' questions after attending a hearing on their agency's request for an injunction banning their independent activities at the Seoul Central District Court in the capital on March 7, 2025. (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, March 24 (Yonhap) -- Amid an ongoing contract dispute with their agency ADOR, K-pop girl group NewJeans (NJZ) has announced that they will temporarily halt all activities following a court ruling prohibiting independent promotions.
According to the music industry on Monday, NewJeans made a surprising declaration at the end of their performance at ComplexCon in Hong Kong the previous night.
The members stated, “Today’s stage might be our last performance for a while. We have decided to respect the court’s decision and pause all activities. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it’s one we felt was necessary for us right now.”
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| ▲ The members of K-pop girl group NewJeans (NJZ) are featured in this promotional poster for ComplexCon Hong Kong, in this image provided by the event's organizer. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Last Friday, the Seoul Central District Court's civil agreement dvision ruled in favor of ADOR in their injunction request against the five NewJeans members. The court prohibited the group from engaging in independent activities, including signing advertising contracts without ADOR’s approval, until the main lawsuit's first trial concludes.
The court stated, “Based solely on the claims and evidence provided by the defendants (NewJeans members), it is difficult to conclude that the plaintiff (ADOR) has violated significant obligations in their exclusive contract, or that the trust between them has irreparably broken down.”
This ruling effectively prevents NewJeans from pursuing independent promotions without ADOR’s involvement. The group's decision to halt activities is widely interpreted as a firm stance against returning to ADOR, even if it means putting their careers on hold.
On stage in Hong Kong, Minji addressed the situation, saying, “We knew this wouldn’t be easy, but we will raise our voices to protect each other. We accept the court’s decision and the legal process, but we do not regret our choice.”
Hyein added, “Some people may think it would have been better for us to just endure and stay with ADOR. But for us, this was about protecting ourselves. We believe that by standing firm now, we can come back stronger. That’s why we have no regrets.”
Minji reassured fans, saying, “We will take time to collect ourselves and then move forward again. Please know that this is not the end. We will definitely come back, and when we do, we hope to meet you all with bright smiles.”
Despite the uncertain future, NewJeans unveiled a performance of their new song Pit Stop during the event.
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