NewJeans (rebranded as NJZ) has announced that they will be taking a temporary hiatus, effective immediately. The news came after the group’s latest performance, where they revealed that the show would be their last one for a while.
NewJeans performed at ComplexCon in Hong Kong on March 23. The members performed their new song “Pit Stop”, which quickly started trending on Melon searches. During the show, they revealed that it would be their last performance before taking a temporary break from activities.
The group performed under their individual names only without referencing either their original group name or their newly rebranded name, NJZ.
During the show, Minji shared the news with the audience and fans, stating, “It feels heavy to deliver this news. Today’s performance might be our last one for a while. Out of respect for the court’s decision, we have decided to suspend all activities for the time being. It wasn’t an easy decision, but we believe it’s necessary at this moment.”
Hyein explained that leaving ADOR was essential for the group’s well-being and growth. They prioritized protecting themselves and have no regrets about their decision.
The members said, ‘I hope you know that this isn’t the end. We will definitely come back, and when we do, we want to meet again with bright smiles.’ They also got teary-eyed as they announced a temporary hiatus.
On Friday, March 21, the court ruling favored ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE. They granted a temporary injunction restricting the group’s independent activities and prohibiting them from signing advertising contracts.
NewJeans announced their departure from ADOR last November and as NJZ in February to pursue independent activities. However, the label responded by filing an injunction in January to maintain their agency status and block NJZ from signing advertising contracts. Despite the group members, Minji, Haerin, Danielle, Hanni, and Hyein, citing 11 reasons for terminating their contract, the court rejected all of them.
The court’s ruling prohibits NJZ from independent promotions without ADOR’s approval until the main lawsuit’s first trial concludes. In light of this decision, they have decided not to collaborate with ADOR and have chosen to halt their activities instead.
All eyes are now on NewJeans’ uncertain future and the ongoing dispute with ADOR.