The girl group NewJeans, in a dispute over its exclusive contract with ADOR, announced a temporary halt to all activities shortly after releasing a new song under the new activity name 'NJZ.' This decision was triggered by a court's ruling to prohibit independent activities. It is interpreted as a declaration of their will to not return to ADOR, even if it means enduring a halt in activities.
ADOR expressed regret over the situation and noted a desire to communicate with the members as soon as possible.
On the 24th, according to the music industry, NewJeans unveiled the stage for their new song 'Pit Stop' at the 'ComplexCon' concert in Hong Kong the night before. The LED screens at the venue displayed the newly chosen team name 'NJZ' instead of NewJeans, and merchandise was sold under the name 'NJZ' near the venue.
At the end of the concert, NewJeans said, 'In fact, today’s stage could be our last performance for the time being,' adding, 'We have decided to stop all activities in compliance with the court's decision. This is not an easy decision, but it is a necessary choice for us right now.'
This comes just one day after the content of an interview that NewJeans had with Time magazine was revealed. During the interview, the members expressed disappointment over the court ruling but noted, 'We didn't expect the issues in the K-pop industry to change overnight,' and remarked, 'This is the reality in Korea. It seems Korea wants to make us revolutionaries.'
On the 21st, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 50, led by Presiding Judge Kim Sang-hoon, accepted ADOR's injunction application against the five members of NewJeans, which sought to prevent 'status preservation of the agency and advertising contract conclusion,' and ruled in favor of the application.
The court stated, 'Based solely on the claims and evidence submitted by the debtors (the members of NewJeans), it is hard to conclude that the creditor (ADOR) violated significant obligations under this exclusive contract, leading to grounds for termination or that the mutual trust has been irreparably damaged,' thereby siding with ADOR.
Accordingly, NewJeans is unable to engage in independent activities without consultation with ADOR until the first instance result of the main lawsuit is announced.
Member Minji remarked on stage in Hong Kong, 'We started out knowing well that it wouldn't be easy,' and added, 'While we accept the court’s decision and the process, we will raise our voices to protect each other. We do not regret that choice.'
Haein also mentioned, 'Some might think it would have been better to just stay with ADOR,' but noted, 'For us, this matter was about protecting ourselves. We believe that’s how we can become stronger and come back. For that reason, we do not regret our choice.'
Following the ruling on the injunction, ADOR attempted to support the members as their agency in Hong Kong but reportedly did not meet them.
ADOR stated, 'We are very saddened that NewJeans went ahead with a performance under a different name despite the court’s decision and unilaterally declared a halt to activities. We wish to do our utmost for NewJeans under a valid exclusive contract. We hope to meet the artist soon to discuss the future.'