NewJeans (NJZ) released new songs under an unauthorized team name despite a court ruling that prohibited them from independent entertainment activities, causing controversy. Their agency, ADOR, reacted immediately, labeling the move as a "unilateral decision."
On March 23 at 7:30 PM (local time), NewJeans performed at ComplexCon in Hong Kong under the "NJZ" name and sold branded merchandise. The group had adopted the "NJZ" name since November, after unilaterally terminating their exclusive contracts with ADOR.
After this, ADOR sought an injunction to prevent the members from commercially operating under NJZ without the agency's approval, which the court granted on March 21. Nevertheless, NewJeans continued with activities that defied the court's decision.
Throughout the performance, the group members refrained from mentioning their group name explicitly. However, during their performance of the new song "PIT STOP," the "NJZ" label appeared in the background, and event organizers promoted them as NJZ in materials.
Following their performance, the members announced a temporary pause in activities to comply with the court ruling and expressed gratitude for the support. The decision implies their refusal to continue as "NewJeans" until the legal dispute is resolved.
Sources in the entertainment industry disclosed that ADOR was unaware of NewJeans' plan to suspend activities and had sent staff to support them at the event. ADOR tried to contact the members, but they were unreachable.
On March 24, ADOR issued a statement expressing disappointment over NewJeans' unauthorized performance and self-imposed hiatus in defiance of the court order. The agency emphasized its commitment under the exclusive contract and hoped to meet with the artists to discuss their future.
There were speculations in the K-pop industry that international criticisms from a recent interview influenced NewJeans' abrupt decision. Legal experts cautioned that NewJeans' actions could have adverse effects on their contract dispute, potentially leading to financial penalties and compensation claims if the court ruling is disregarded.