NewJeans or NJZ's transformation and hiatus amid Ador label dispute
K-pop girl group NewJeans is stepping away from the spotlight for now after a Seoul court issued a ruling that temporarily prevents them from working independently under their new name, NJZ.
The five-member group--Minji, Danielle, Haerin, Hanni, and Hyein--performed at ComplexCon in Hong Kong on March 23 as NJZ, just after the court's decision. However, during their set, they announced they would be going on hiatus.
Speaking in English, the members read a statement on stage addressing their ongoing legal battle with their label, Ador.
“It is really hard for us to say this, but this might be our last performance for a little while. Out of respect for the court's decision, we've decided to pause all our activities for now. It wasn't an easy decision, but we believe this is something we need to do at this moment,” their joint statement read.
As of writing, the future of NewJeans or NJZ is on temporary hiatus.
NewJeans
NewJeans made their debut on July 22, 2022, with the pre-release single "Attention" under ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE. Their first EP, New Jeans, followed shortly after, dropping on August 1, 2022.
Meeting with the members
According to South Korean news outlet Korea JoongAng Daily, Ador responded to the group's hiatus announcement on March 24 by expressing its desire to meet with the members.
Ador's statement
Ador stated that it "deeply regrets" the group's decision to perform under a different name despite the court ruling and expressed disappointment over the abrupt, unilateral announcement of their hiatus.
Contract
The statement from Ador also added: “Ador remains committed to doing its utmost for NewJeans under a valid exclusive contract. We hope to meet the artists soon to discuss their future.”
Departure from Ador
NewJeans cut ties with Ador on their own in November 2024, claiming they had been mistreated by the label and its parent company, K-pop giant Hybe.
Injunction
In response, Ador filed an injunction in January to prevent the group from pursuing independent activities and to reaffirm its position as their management agency.
Songs and PH events
NewJeans has released several hit songs that have gained massive popularity both in South Korea and internationally. Some of their most well-known tracks include “Attention", "Hype Boy", "Cookie", "Ditto", "OMG", "Super Shy", "ETA." NewJeans, the South Korean girl group, has visited the Philippines on two events: The Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2023 on December 14, 2023 and Coke Studio's 'The Ultimate Fandom' Concert on September 5, 2024.
