On March 26, 2025, a report by the BBC highlighted the reasons why NewJeans, now officially known as NJZ, are adamantly refusing to return to their former agency, ADOR.
NJZ Members Share Their Grievances Against ADOR
During an in-depth interview, members of NJZ opened up about their experiences with ADOR. They expressed deep concerns regarding a perceived lack of support and recognition from the agency, which they believe has significantly impeded their artistic development and overall well-being.
The decision to sever ties with ADOR, as the members stated, was not made lightly; it stemmed from a prolonged period of dissatisfaction with the agency’s management and treatment.
Emotional Struggles and the Fight for Freedom
Minji recounted her emotional struggles amidst the ongoing conflict between NJZ and ADOR, expressing the heavy toll it has taken on her mental health:
“I went through a lot of mental pain, so it’s cruel to have to go back to that company and deal with it all again.”
Danielle, speaking candidly to the BBC, emphasized that her fight was not about seeking sympathy, but rather about reclaiming the group’s independence:
“I didn’t start this fight to get sympathy, I just wanted to do what I love [but the] lies and misunderstandings are constantly getting in the way.”
Legal Setbacks and Continuing Resilience
On March 21, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of ADOR, issuing an injunction that prevents NJZ from pursuing independent endeavors, including signing promotional contracts. This ruling was particularly disheartening for the NJZ members, who expressed shock and disappointment, believing they had a strong case.
Despite this setback, their resolve remains steadfast. Trust and protective measures were cited as crucial elements lacking in their relationship with ADOR.
Hanni shared her experience as a witness during the National Assembly Audit in October 2024, stating she felt it was important to speak out rather than conceal her story:
“It was an issue that could have easily been ignored, but they gave me a chance to talk about it directly. I didn’t think I needed to avoid it or hide. I thought this wasn’t just our problem, but that all employees should be respected in their work environment. It is difficult to view Hani as a worker under the Labor Standards Act.”
However, the Ministry of Employment and Labor ultimately dismissed allegations of workplace bullying as unfounded.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
In November 2024, NJZ officially terminated their contract with ADOR, rebranding themselves in February 2025. During the first hearing of the injunction on March 7, 2025, clashes ensued as both sides presented their arguments. Surveillance footage showcased interactions between NJZ’s Hanni and another girl group, ILLIT, raising further questions regarding respect and treatment.
Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of ADOR, reinforcing the limitation on NJZ’s independent operations. As of March 23, 2025, however, NJZ continues to forge their path, showcasing their resilience by performing at ComplexCon in Hong Kong and releasing new music.