On March 27, 2025, a series of protest trucks tied to fans of the popular K-pop group NewJeans, affectionately referred to as Bunnies, were spotted outside HYBE’s headquarters in the Yongsan District of Seoul. This was reported by Allkpop, highlighting the fans’ urgency in urging the group to reconsider the ongoing legal battle with their label, ADOR.
The sighting of the trucks came on the heels of NewJeans announcing a hiatus on March 23, 2025, which deepened their fans’ concerns regarding the potential repercussions of the legal dispute. Messages displayed on the trucks, translated by user @Snper22, conveyed intense sentiments, including:
“The adults around NewJeans should stop gaslighting.”
“Bunnies respect NewJeans but we cannot let them go down this dangerous path.”
Many fans voiced fears that prolonged legal proceedings could burden the five members with financial liabilities, compelling them to explore safer alternatives for resolution.
Conversely, there were also supporters of the group who stressed that returning to ADOR could have detrimental effects on the girls’ mental health and careers. A notable comment from user @rosiepham0113 reflected this concern:
“Now what is this nonsense?? They only care about themselves as a fan because they won’t be active for a long time but not about the girls’ mental health and how they’ll be working with literally bullies and all hell the girls will be facing if they do comeback to that building?”
This protest underscores an increasing rift within NewJeans’ fandom. Supporters of the legal challenge continue to rally behind the members’ quest for autonomy.
“Despite knowing all their struggles and pain, yet you still want them to go back to that company? Yes, everyone can have different opinions, but if you truly care about the girls, you should be respecting their decisions. This directly affects their life, not yours,”remarked another fan.
“Real Bunnies respect the girls’ decisions and genuinely care about their well-being. We’d never push them to go back to a place where THEY DON’T FEEL SAFE OR COMFORTABLE. If you can’t respect their choices, just leave and don’t make a fuss,”stated another X user.
“Stop talking nonsense. If you want to live cowardly, then please do it alone, don’t force the girls to follow your will. Advice is only for those who give it,”added another commentator.
“This is not part of us,”expressed one fan.
With opinions divided, some fans believe the ongoing legal strife could jeopardize NewJeans’ future. Advocates of the protest trucks emphasize that stability should be the group’s priority.
“We told you what would happen. But the fandom called us haters. Most of us are adults who understand the complexities of the entertainment industry,”voiced an X user.
“It doesn’t matter who put the truck there. If they want to be adults and make adult decisions, they need to talk to their management company, ADOR. The court will most likely want mediation first anyway,”a fan pointed out.
“Fans’ concerns are valid; dialogue and resolution are essential for NewJeans,”remarked another netizen.
“Stop this drama by settling everything in court, not in the media! Please, adults around NJ, NJ, and Bunnies act mature! ADOR has tried to talk and discuss with NJ, but was ignored and not welcomed well,”commented one fan.
Recent Updates on NewJeans’ Legal Detachment from ADOR
The conflict between NewJeans and ADOR began in November 2024, when the group sought to dissolve their contracts due to management issues and dissatisfaction with how their careers were being handled. In response, ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE, filed injunctions to prevent the members from entering into independent contracts.
During this ongoing dispute, NewJeans announced a rebranding to NJZ in February 2025. However, a court ruling on March 21, 2025, favored ADOR, affirming their authority and restricting the group’s independent activities.
Despite the setbacks, NewJeans has committed to appealing the ruling and continues to fight for their rights. Billboard reported that NJZ announced their hiatus on March 23, 2025, after an emotional performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong, where they unveiled their new song, “Pit Stop.”During their appearance, the members stated:
“It is really hard for us to say this, but this might be our last performance for a little while. Out of respect for the court’s decision, we’ve decided to pause all our activities for now. It wasn’t an easy decision, but we believe this is something we need to do at this moment.”
The initial legal hearing between NewJeans and ADOR is scheduled for April 3, 2025, marking a significant milestone in this ongoing saga.