Just a year ago NewJeans (now also known as NJZ) were the rising rookie girl group of Kpop, creating trendy hits like OMG, Ditto, and Super Shy.
Fast forward to last Sunday March 23, 2025, and the quintet stunned Kpop fans when they announced another temporary hiatus at their highly anticipated Complex Con Hong Kong 2025 concert.
The members made their decision in respect to the recent order by a South Korean Court to pause all independant group activities until their case with their label ADOR was settled.
ADOR, NewJeans’ sub-label under Kpop giant Hybe, has denied the members’ claims of mistreatment and has refused to end their seven-year contracts which end in 2029.
NewJeans was expected to re-debut under a new name, NJZ, and continue their music, even performing a new track Pit Stop.
But for members Danielle, Minji, Hanni, Hyein, and Haerin, freedom to make their music seems to be a long, bumpy drive.
Kpop girl group Newjeans’ legal battle with ADOR
Issues began in April 2024 when ADOR’s former CEO, Min Hee-jin, clashed with ADOR and HYBE staff over stakeholder control.
Min was the producer and creative director behind NewJeans’ music and videos. She was also close to the members and their families. HYBE fired Min from ADOR on August 27, 2024.
When new management took over ADOR, the members protested Min’s dismissal in a rogue YouTube livestream on September 11. On November 28, 2024, the members announced contract terminations with ADOR. They vowed to continue activities while fighting for their group name.
Why this matters in the Kpop industry
The Kpop industry enforces grueling work schedules and strict diet regiments on idols and trainees. DPR Ian, Jessi, and other idols openly criticise ‘slave contracts’ forced unto trainees.
Most company disputes are usually kept under wraps. But the NJZ members are not shy about their feelings against ADOR, using the social media as their platform. The members were transparent on their Instagram livestream sessions broadcasted from their unofficial account @NJZ_official. Hanni and Danielle have shared their personal stories of mistreatment going back to their trainee days.
Support for the members has been enormous. From fans and other Kpop idols in the industry in a collective solidarity. With the member’s refusal to stay quiet, there has never been more awareness on idol exploitation.
Speaking out against mistreatment
In a solo livestream on March 15, 2024 member Danielle reflected her experiences as trainee. These involved having to text her manager when she used the bathroom and record what she ate.
https://youtube.com/shorts/UivcQQVxpuA?si=uZ3lgtTGh1P34fIi
Danielle said she was speaking up on this for trainees who didn’t have a voice, wishing they would not have to go through what she did.
“I’m not sure, it could be just because it’s being passed down through the industry. It also could be just because the people in control just wanted it to be easier to take control,” she said.
“On behalf of those trainees and young artists out there that don’t have the voice to speak out, please, people should be treated as people. Every individual deserves respect and dignity.”
Despite all the drama behind the scenes and the uncertainty with NJZ, it seems admiration for the group is here to stay.
(Hero image and featured image credit: ADOR)
