K-pop group NewJeans has announced a hiatus from all activities following a recent court ruling that upheld their exclusive contract with their label, ADOR, an imprint of HYBE. The announcement was made during their performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong, where the members expressed the difficulty of their decision and emphasized the need to “pause, take a breath and gather our hearts and ourselves before moving forward.”
Legal Dispute and Court Ruling
The conflict between NewJeans and ADOR began last year when the group attempted to rebrand as NJZ and sought to terminate their contract, citing alleged mistreatment and the removal of their mentor, Min Hee-jin. A Seoul court recently ruled against the group, upholding their exclusivity deal with ADOR and barring them from independent activities without the label’s approval.
Impact on the Group and Future Plans
In light of the court’s decision, NewJeans has decided to pause all activities, stating that the hiatus is necessary to protect themselves and to come back stronger in the future. The members acknowledged the mental and emotional toll the dispute has taken on them and expressed gratitude to their fans for their support.
Label’s Response
ADOR expressed regret over the group’s decision to perform under a different name and their announcement of a suspension of activities. The label stated that it remains committed to supporting NewJeans in accordance with their exclusive contract and hopes to meet with the artists soon to discuss the path forward.
The situation remains unresolved, with further legal proceedings anticipated. Fans and industry observers are closely monitoring developments as they unfold.
Also learn about South Korean Court Rules Against K-Pop Group NewJeans in Record Label Dispute.
