According to Yonhap News, after performing the new song "Pit Stop" at the ComplexCon 2025 music festival in Hong Kong (China) on the evening of March 23, girl group NewJeans (or NJZ) suddenly announced a temporary hiatus.
The 5 members (Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, Hyein) said that they temporarily suspended their activities out of respect for the court's ruling, and emphasized that this is a decision that is absolutely necessary right now so that the group can return stronger in the future.
This notice was issued by NewJeans just 2 days after the court approved the temporary ban application submitted by ADOR, to maintain the company's management rights and prohibit NewJeans from signing advertising contracts and engaging in commercial activities without ADOR's consent.
However, ADOR responded that NewJeans ignored the court's ruling, performed under the name NJZ and unilaterally announced a temporary suspension of operations without notifying or discussing with the company. To date, ADOR has not been able to meet NewJeans members to discuss.
On March 24, NewJeans filed an appeal against the court's ban decision. The group said they are focusing on preparing for the main civil lawsuit that will take place on April 3, to determine the validity of the exclusive contract between ADOR and NewJeans.
NewJeans emphasized that they will "continuate to affirm before the court that the contract has been legally terminated".
The group believes that in the main lawsuit, they will have the opportunity to significantly strengthen their arguments, because this hearing allows them to use many civil proceedings to collect and present sufficient necessary evidence.
According to legal experts, such sessions often include multiple hearings and procedures (submitting evidence, questioning witnesses, etc.) before setting a date for the verdict.
Some legal experts told Yonhap News that if both sides were tough and determined to object to each other, they predicted the lawsuit could take at least three years for the court to make a final ruling.
A lawyer even told the Korea Herald: "On average, the first trial takes about 6 months, but if the case is complicated, it can take more time, sometimes up to 4-5 years."
With the unilateral announcement of a temporary hiatus, NewJeans clearly shows their attitude of not having any intention of returning to ADOR, even if it is exchanged for a long legal battle.
According to the Korea Herald, Lee Hyun Gon - a lawyer who previously filed a complaint on behalf of the NewJeans (Bunnies) fan community against ADOR and HYBE - analyzed that NewJeans' legal strategy may need to change focus.
This case should not be an issue of blaming the termination of the contract. Once everything becomes blurred, it is difficult to determine who is responsible.
The important thing is to prove that the trust between NewJeans and ADOR has been irreparably broken. Precedents show that such a breach of trust alone could be a legitimate reason for terminating the contract, said lawyer Lee.
Previously, NewJeans held a press conference to announce the termination of their contract with ADOR from November 29, 2024.
In response, ADOR filed a request for a temporary ban on NewJeans and a lawsuit to determine that the exclusive contract between the company and NewJeans is still valid until July 2029.
