K-Pop Sensation NewJeans Announces Hiatus Amid Legal Struggles

The rising K-Pop stars halt activities to challenge record label's practices and protect their rights.

South Korean K-pop sensation NewJeans has officially announced a hiatus from all activities following a recent court ruling unfavorable to the group in their ongoing legal battle with their record label, Ador. The announcement was made during a performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong, where the group, now rebranding as NJZ, shared the news that this would be their final performance for the foreseeable future, coinciding with the debut of their new track, "Pit Stop."

The Seoul court ruled against NewJeans, prohibiting them from organizing appearances, creating music, or entering into advertising agreements amid their dispute with Ador. The group has accused Ador, a subsidiary of Hybe, of mistreatment, claiming their mentor Min Hee-Jin was forcibly removed by the label in August 2024. Following this, NewJeans openly criticized the label for undermining their careers and issued an ultimatum for Min's reinstatement, which led to public complaints, including allegations of workplace harassment voiced by member Hanni.

The court dismissed NewJeans’ claims, stating they failed to sufficiently demonstrate that Ador had violated their contractual obligations, affirming the label's adherence to most of its responsibilities, including timely payment. As a consequence, the ruling severely limits the group's ability to operate independently under their new name, NJZ, due to the risk of financial repercussions from contract violations.

The recent concert in Hong Kong marked the group's first public engagement since the court's decision. After their performance, the five members—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Heyin—delivered a heartfelt letter to their fans in both English and Korean, expressing the emotional weight of their announcement. “This stage means so much to us and every single one of you who gives us strength,” they stated. They elaborated on the difficult choice to take a break, emphasizing the importance of self-protection and the commitment to return stronger in the future.

In a statement following the concert, Ador expressed regret over the group's decision to perform under a name other than NewJeans, marking a defiance against the court’s order. The label reiterated its support for the group within the framework of their binding contract and expressed a desire to discuss the future with the artists as soon as possible.

NewJeans has gained significant acclaim, emerging as one of K-Pop's brightest new acts and ranking as the eighth biggest-selling music group worldwide in 2023.