NewJeans Announces Break Amid Legal Battle with Record Label

HONG KONG — South Korean K-pop group NewJeans has announced they will take a break from all activities following a recent court ruling that restricts their ability to perform and collaborate due to ongoing disputes with their record label, Ador. The announcement was made during their performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong on March 23, 2025, where they debuted their new song, “Pit Stop,” in front of over 11,000 fans.

The ruling by the Seoul Central District Court on March 21 prohibits the group from conducting independent musical engagements and signing advertising deals during their ongoing legal dispute with Ador, which has been ongoing since August 2024. NewJeans is challenging the court’s decision, as they seek to sever ties with Ador, accusing the label of mistreatment.

During the concert, group member Hanni, also known as Pham Ngoc Han, expressed an emotional sentiment to their loyal fans, stating, “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.”

NewJeans’ issues with Ador intensified following claims that the label had undermined their careers, particularly after the controversial ousting of their mentor, Min Hee-Jin. The group issued an ultimatum to reinstate Min, and when rejected, aired grievances including allegations of workplace harassment and manipulation.

The Seoul court ruled the group did not sufficiently prove allegations that Ador violated their contractual responsibilities, stating, “If NewJeans unilaterally terminate the contract, Ador would suffer greatly.” This ruling now complicates their attempt to rebrand as NJZ, also leaving them vulnerable to potential financial penalties for a breach of contract.

Following their performance, Ador expressed regret over the group’s decision to perform under their new name, NJZ, despite the ongoing legal orders. The label reiterated its commitment to uphold the terms of its contracted relationship with NewJeans and extended an invitation for negotiation regarding their future.

Despite the turmoil, NewJeans has emerged as a leading act in the K-pop industry, with their debut single “Attention” becoming a significant hit in 2022 and their EP “Get Up” reaching number one on the US Billboard 200 less than a year later. The band has been recognized as one of the top-selling acts globally, marking their ongoing popularity despite the challenges they face.

Throughout the concert, the atmosphere was charged as they reflected on their journey. While addressing the audience, member Danielle Marsh stated, “It is honestly taking a bit of a mental and emotional toll on us,” illustrating the weight of the ongoing situation. The sentiment reverberated among fans, many of whom expressed their support on social media.

Legal experts have indicated that NewJeans’ legal case might be weak, especially after the court upheld the injunction. According to Sangrock Kho of Law Firm Pil, “The court’s decision suggests that… the breakdown in trust was not solely caused by Hybe and Ador.”

As NewJeans takes this hiatus, they remain committed to their artistic integrity and to returning more powerful after addressing their issues with Ador. The upcoming lawsuit regarding the validity of their contract remains pending, with the next hearing set for April 3, 2025.