NewJeans Vows To Continue Legal Battle Against Ador

In a bold declaration of resilience, K-pop sensation NewJeans has vowed to continue their legal battle against their label, Ador, despite a recent court ruling that has halted their independent activities. In their first interview since the ruling, which they received while rehearsing for a performance in Hong Kong, the group expressed their determination to fight for their rights and artistic freedom. "This fight is necessary. Although it will be extremely difficult and arduous, we will keep doing what we have done so far and speak up," said Haerin, one of the five members of the group.

The court's decision came as a shock to NewJeans, who had been riding high on their success since their debut in 2022, becoming the eighth biggest-selling act in the world within just a year. The ruling ordered them to cease all independent activities while their case against Ador is ongoing, effectively stalling their plans to pursue a new direction as a group. Hyein, another member, shared her frustration, stating, "Some people think that we’re famous enough to do whatever we want and say whatever we please. But the truth is, it’s not like that at all. We held it in for a long time, and only now have we finally spoken up about what we think, what we feel and the unfairness we’ve experienced."

Ador, a sublabel of the K-pop conglomerate Hybe, has maintained that the contract with NewJeans remains valid, suggesting that the group’s claims stem from misunderstandings. The court sided with Ador, asserting that NewJeans did not sufficiently prove contract violations and that the label had fulfilled most of its obligations. Despite this setback, NewJeans managed to perform their new single "Pit Stop" under a rebranded name, NJZ, at ComplexCon Hong Kong, a significant streetwear and music festival that attracted tens of thousands of fans.

The atmosphere at ComplexCon was electric, with over 10,000 fans, affectionately known as "Bunnies," filling the arena. The group’s performance was marked by a mix of energy and underlying tension, reflecting their current struggles. Each member performed solo covers of popular songs, showcasing their individual talents while also hinting at the challenges they face as a collective. Danielle opened the set with a lively rendition of TLC's "No Scrubs," followed by Minji, who delivered a spirited performance of Upsahl's "Smile for the Camera," a song that resonated with their current feelings of defiance.

As the night progressed, the members took turns performing, but notably, they did not include any of their NewJeans hits, perhaps a strategic choice given the legal circumstances. Instead, they debuted the new song "Pit Stop," accompanied by their signature choreography, which received an enthusiastic response from the audience. The group’s final moments on stage were poignant, as they formed a semicircle and participated in a cathartic collective scream before reading prepared statements to their fans.

During their statements, which were delivered in both English and Korean, the members expressed their respect for the court's decision while also announcing that they were effectively going on hiatus until the legal issues are resolved. "It feels too hard to keep going at this pace, and as strong as we are trying to stay, it is honestly taking a bit of a mental and emotional toll on us," Danielle admitted, her voice breaking with emotion. Hanni added, "It’s about protecting ourselves so that we can come back even stronger." The heartfelt declarations were met with cheers from the audience, many of whom were visibly moved.

Reflecting on their journey, NewJeans has become a symbol of the struggles that many artists face within the high-pressure environment of the K-pop industry. Their decision to speak out against their label is a rare act of boldness in a culture that often demands silence and compliance from its stars. The emotional weight of their performance and statements highlighted the often unseen toll of fame and the pressures that come with it.

As the night drew to a close, the atmosphere shifted from celebration to contemplation. NewJeans members emerged from the venue, looking exhausted yet determined. They took a moment to survey the NJZ merchandise booth, where fans had left messages of support. The sight of their fans rallying behind them provided a glimmer of hope amid their uncertainty.

With a legal battle looming and their future in limbo, NewJeans remains united in their resolve. The upcoming court hearings set for April 3, 2025, will be pivotal in determining the path forward for the group. As they navigate this tumultuous period, their commitment to each other and their fans will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping their journey.

In an industry where the stakes are incredibly high, NewJeans' fight is not just about a contract; it’s about autonomy, identity, and the right to create without constraints. As they prepare for the challenges ahead, their story serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for oneself, even in the face of overwhelming odds.