On March 26, 2025, BBC Korea aired an insightful interview featuring NewJeans (commonly known as NJZ), where the group’s five members candidly discussed their ongoing legal disputes with their agency, ADOR. During the conversation, the artists elaborated on their reasons for voicing their difficulties and the challenges they claim to have encountered throughout this turbulent period. A significant point of contention was raised by Hanni, who spoke about ADOR’s alleged attempts to manipulate the narrative during the “Ignore Her”incident, stating that only selective CCTV footage, which favored ADOR, was made public.
The group, composed of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, delved into the implications of their legal struggles on their personal well-being, decision-making regarding their future with ADOR, and the importance of asserting their truths. Hanni further accused the agency of presenting cherry-picked evidence concerning claims of workplace harassment.
In relation to the controversial CCTV footage associated with the ILLIT matter, Hanni suggested that ADOR was misrepresenting the situation to benefit itself. This allegation followed ADOR’s submission of CCTV footage and text messages in response to legal claims, asserting that no misconduct occurred. As translated by @AboutMusicYT on X, Hanni conveyed her thoughts:
“ADOR did not reveal the entire truth of the incident, but only released some CCTV footage that was favorable to them.”
Additionally, Hanni described how ADOR allegedly twisted the content of her text message to create a more favorable narrative for themselves.
The members shared insights into the emotional burden stemming from their experiences. Minji confessed that, although she often projected confidence, the heavy scrutiny inflicted by the public still made her anxious. Danielle expressed her struggles with managing her emotions while concentrating on improving her craft.
Ultimately, they acknowledged that revealing their challenges was essential for their growth and healing. Hyein described their experience as akin to “living in a documentary,”where uncertainty loomed over their daily lives.
Insights from the BBC Interview and the Ongoing Legal Dispute
The BBC interview unfolded in two segments released on the BBC Korea website and YouTube channel, strategically timed around the court’s ruling concerning ADOR’s injunction. NewJeans members articulated their reluctance to return to ADOR, citing past emotional distress and a profound mistrust of the agency.
They confronted the backlash following their public disclosures, with critics accusing them of evading accountability. Hanni dismissed these claims, asserting that their motivations stemmed from a need to protect themselves and ensure their voices were amplified.
During the interview, the members highlighted the bravery it required to speak out, especially given the constraints imposed by both the entertainment industry and the legal framework. Despite the court ruling in favor of ADOR’s contractual claims, the members conveyed that returning to the agency would be emotionally taxing based on their previous experiences. Minji remarked:
“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.”
As a result of the court’s injunction, NewJeans has temporarily paused their independent projects. The group remains steadfast in advocating for their rights, emphasizing that their choice to part ways with ADOR was reached after careful deliberation among all five members. Hanni shared:
“I think people easily think, ‘They’re still young, they can’t make decisions on their own.’ But just because we’re young doesn’t mean we take things any less seriously or worry any less. It was a decision that was possible because all five of us had the same opinion after sufficient discussion with the members.”
In response to suggestions that external influences shaped their decision, the members resolutely stated that their departure was a joint decision made after extensive conversations.
Recently, NewJeans performed at Hong Kong’s ComplexCon music festival under their new name, NJZ, presenting a new song titled “Pit Stop.”However, following the court’s ruling to suspend their external engagements—such as brand partnerships and music releases—the group announced a hiatus until further notice.