NewJeans has officially suspended its activities following a recent court ruling. Despite a legal decision preventing them from engaging in independent operations, the group has effectively chosen to halt its collaboration with its agency, ADOR.
On Sunday, NewJeans performed at ComplexCon at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong. As the group wrapped up its set, the group addressed the crowd, saying, “This might be our last show for a while. We’ve decided to pause all activities in compliance with the court’s decision. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it’s necessary for us right now.”
The group continued, “We know this may upset our fans, Bunnies, but this is best for us. This will allow us to come back stronger. We want you to understand that this is not the end. We will return.”
Its decision to pause activities follows a court ruling on Friday, in which the Seoul Central District Court fully granted ADOR’s injunction request, barring NewJeans from engaging in independent activities or signing new contracts. As a result, ADOR has ordered the group to continue performing under the agency’s name and has sent staff to Hong Kong. Since ADOR has been recognized as NewJeans’ official agency until the conclusion of the ongoing lawsuit, the group can only legally operate through the agency. However, the two parties remain at a standstill by choosing to halt their activities.
During its Hong Kong performance, NewJeans appeared to be cautious about the court’s ruling, avoiding any mention of the name NewJeans or its self-chosen activity name NJZ. Continuing independent activities despite the injunction could potentially harm its case in any future breach of contract lawsuits.
The group did not perform any of its hit songs released under the NewJeans name. Instead, each of the five members showcased solo performances of songs by other artists and debuted its new track, “Pit Stop.”
On March 21, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 50, presided over by Judge Kim Sang Hoon, ruled in favor of ADOR’s injunction request. This decision prevents NewJeans from independently pursuing music activities, such as songwriting, composing, performing, making television appearances, or signing advertising deals, without ADOR’s approval or consent.
Following the court’s ruling, NewJeans shared its thoughts in an interview with TIME, a major American news outlet. The group stated, “This may be the reality in Korea, but it’s exactly why we believe change and growth are necessary. It feels like Korea is trying to make us revolutionaries.”
In response, Ko Sang Rok, a lawyer from the law firm Phil and a known NewJeans fan, expressed concerns through his personal channel, questioning, “If NewJeans has made anti-Korean statements, where does that leave them now?”