15 Biggest NewJeans News Moments That Shocked K-pop Fans

NewJeans news has consistently shocked the K-pop world since their sudden debut on July 22, 2022. From breaking the Guinness World Record for the fastest K-pop act to reach one billion streams on Spotify to becoming the first girl group in twelve years to win Artist of the Year at the MAMA Awards, their meteoric rise has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Despite their young career, the five-member group has already achieved what most artists only dream of. Their debut album became the best-selling debut album by a K-pop female act in South Korea, selling over one million copies. Additionally, their second EP "Get Up" peaked at number one on the US Billboard 200 and sold an impressive 1.65 million copies in its first week. However, recent developments have taken an unexpected turn with the NewJeans members announcing a hiatus in March 2025 following legal disputes with their label ADOR. Consequently, the group rebranded as NJZ and is set to headline ComplexCon Hong Kong festival, marking their first performance under their new identity.

Let's explore the 15 biggest moments in NewJeans' journey that left fans worldwide in disbelief.

NewJeans' Surprise Debut with 'Attention'

On July 22, 2022, the K-pop world experienced something unprecedented when a music video titled "Attention" appeared on YouTube without warning. ADOR, a subsidiary label under HYBE, had quietly launched their new girl group NewJeans with zero prior promotion—no member introductions, no concept photos, not even a group name announcement.

What happened

The silent debut strategy was meticulously planned by ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, who released the "Attention" music video followed by a choreography video on the same day. Shortly after, the label announced the quintet's self-titled extended play containing four tracks. Initially, fans had no idea who these five fresh faces were, as their identities remained undisclosed until after the music video dropped. The EP was released digitally on August 1, with physical copies following on August 8.

Why it shocked fans

This approach completely shattered K-pop industry norms, where companies typically utilize elaborate rollout plans with weeks of teasers, concept photos, and member introductions before debut. Furthermore, ADOR operated with complete autonomy—HYBE executives reportedly had zero knowledge about NewJeans' debut plans until the first music video appeared online. Min Hee Jin later explained this strategy was intentional: "That was a strategy we used to put all the focus purely on their music, since the buzz around 'Min Hee Jin's girl group' was already so high".

Impact on NewJeans

The risky strategy paid off spectacularly. "Attention" topped Spotify's daily top songs chart in South Korea immediately upon release. The song quickly climbed to #1 on the Korean Circle Digital Chart and reached #54 on the Billboard Global 200. Music critics praised the song's catchy production, landing it on "best of 2022" lists by Billboard, NME, and Teen Vogue. Within weeks, NewJeans had sold hundreds of thousands of albums and won music show awards even after their promotions ended. Essentially, this unorthodox debut established NewJeans as trend-setters rather than followers, giving them a distinct identity separate from other HYBE groups while highlighting their authentic sound and refreshing concept.

The Viral Success of 'Hype Boy' and 'Cookie'

Just one day after "Attention" dropped, NewJeans released "Hype Boy" on July 23, 2022, followed by "Cookie" on August 1, setting the stage for a rapid rise to stardom. The group's strategic release approach involved unique multiple music videos for "Hype Boy," each showcasing different members' perspectives with an interactive element that revealed their names.

What happened

"Hype Boy" immediately captivated listeners with its fresh sound and became a cultural phenomenon, surpassing BTS' "Butter" as the most-streamed song on Spotify in Korea. The song achieved remarkable chart performance, reaching number two on South Korea's Circle Digital Chart and becoming the longest-running song on the Billboard Global 200 by a K-pop female act, charting for an unprecedented 42 weeks. Simultaneously, "Cookie" joined the group's string of hits, surpassing 100 million YouTube views on August 13, 2024, marking their fourth music video to achieve this milestone.

Why it shocked fans

The viral success surprised fans primarily because of how quickly these rookies dominated charts without traditional promotion cycles. "Hype Boy" particularly stood out with its irresistible choreography, sparking countless dance challenges across TikTok and social media platforms. According to industry observers, what made the phenomenon even more remarkable was that everyone from "actors, social media stars, other famous K-pop groups to the South Korean president himself" performed the dance at various events. Notably, college students even danced to it during graduation ceremonies.

Impact on NewJeans

This unexpected triumph solidified NewJeans' position as trendsetters rather than followers. Their self-titled debut EP pre-orders surpassed 444,000 copies in just three days, ultimately selling over one million copies and becoming the best-selling debut album by a K-pop female act in South Korea. The success of "Hype Boy" and "Cookie" established their signature sound—described by critics as precise, muted, and almost lo-fi compared to typical K-pop productions. Furthermore, all 14 songs from their discography re-entered charts simultaneously, an unprecedented phenomenon in the K-pop scene, demonstrating their lasting cultural impact beyond typical rookie boundaries.

Breaking Records with 'Ditto' and 'OMG'

December 2022 marked another turning point in NewJeans' career with the release of "Ditto" as a pre-release track from their single album "OMG." These two singles would go on to shatter multiple records and further establish the rookie group's unprecedented influence in the global music scene.

What happened

Released on December 19, 2022, "Ditto" quickly became a sensation, eventually surpassing 700 million streams on Spotify by December 2023. The track entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 96, making NewJeans the fastest Korean act to chart and only the fifth Korean group after Wonder Girls, BTS, Blackpink, and Twice to achieve this milestone. "Ditto" topped South Korea's Circle Digital Chart for an astounding 13 consecutive weeks, breaking the record for longest-running number one song in the chart's history. Subsequently, "OMG" debuted on January 2, 2023, reaching 10 million YouTube views in just 58 hours, significantly faster than "Ditto" which took 79 hours.

Why it shocked fans

The success stunned fans primarily because it occurred merely six months after NewJeans' debut. "Ditto" achieved the unprecedented feat of maintaining the top position on Melon's daily chart for 99 consecutive days, becoming the first song in Melon's history to chart at number one for 10 consecutive weeks. The track also created another record with 655 hours of Perfect All-Kill status across all Korean music platforms. Moreover, both songs found international resonance—"Ditto" peaked at number eight on the Billboard Global 200, whereas "OMG" reached number 10 on the same chart, propelled by viral TikTok dance challenges.

Impact on NewJeans

These back-to-back hits cemented NewJeans' reputation as a global powerhouse. Within two years of debut, they had accumulated 14 songs with over 100 million Spotify streams each. "Ditto" received prestigious recognition, winning Song of the Year at multiple major awards including the Asia Artist Awards, Korean Music Awards, MAMA Awards, and Melon Music Awards. American music publication Paste even named "Ditto" one of the best songs of the 2020s. The singles' success resulted in NewJeans becoming the fifth most-streamed K-pop artist globally on Spotify's 2024 Wrapped list, securing their position among K-pop's elite acts in record time.

Billboard 200 No.1 with 'Get Up'

In a historic milestone for the rookie girl group, NewJeans' second EP "Get Up" claimed the #1 spot on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart in August 2023, making them the fastest female K-pop artist ever to enter the prestigious chart.

What happened

Released in July 2023, "Get Up" rocketed to the top of the Billboard 200 with 126,500 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in its debut week. This remarkable achievement came by the narrowest of margins—the EP edged out the star-studded "Barbie" soundtrack by just 500 units in one of the year's closest chart battles. "Get Up" featured six tracks, including the lead single "Super Shy," which peaked at #48 on the Billboard Hot 100. The EP's other title tracks "ETA" and "Cool With You" simultaneously debuted on the Hot 100 at #81 and #93 respectively, marking the first time a K-pop girl group placed three songs from a single album on the chart at once.

Why it shocked fans

This achievement astonished the K-pop community for several reasons. First, "Get Up" marked NewJeans' first-ever entry on the Billboard 200, yet they immediately claimed the top position. Furthermore, they became only the second all-female K-pop group to reach #1 in less than a year, following BLACKPINK's "Born Pink". Nevertheless, what truly stunned observers was that they accomplished this with the shortest album in Billboard 200 history to reach #1—containing merely six tracks. In effect, NewJeans joined an elite club as only the third K-pop artist ever to top this chart, alongside BTS and BLACKPINK.

Impact on NewJeans

This chart victory solidified NewJeans' position as global music forces. The EP continued its remarkable run by remaining on the Billboard 200 for 25 consecutive weeks, becoming only the second K-pop girl group album to achieve this milestone. "Get Up" climbed back to #2 on Billboard's World Albums chart months after release, showing extraordinary staying power. Above all, this accomplishment elevated NewJeans to unprecedented heights for a rookie group, leading Billboard to name them Group of the Year at the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards. Member Hanni expressed her disbelief on the group's fan app: "Billboard 200 #1??!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! I don't know how this could happen...".

First K-pop Girl Group at Lollapalooza

After making Billboard history with their "Get Up" EP, NewJeans made another groundbreaking achievement on August 3, 2023, by becoming the first K-pop girl group ever to perform at Lollapalooza Chicago, one of America's most prestigious music festivals.

What happened

Taking the spotlight on the festival's opening day at Grant Park in Chicago, the quintet delivered a mesmerizing 45-minute set featuring 12 songs. The performance marked their first-ever live appearance in the United States. Opening with "Hype Boy," the group performed numerous hits including "Cookie," "Hurt," "OMG," and "Ditto," plus all six songs from their "Get Up" EP. Over 70,000 spectators witnessed the historic performance, with fans lining up from as early as 11 AM to secure prime viewing spots. The rock remix version of "Cookie" and an a cappella beginning for "Cool With You" showcased their vocal abilities. Member Hanni acknowledged the significance, stating: "We've been told that we're the first K-pop girl group to be invited to Lollapalooza. Which can I say, is an absolute honour for us".

Why it shocked fans

The scale of NewJeans' reception stunned both fans and industry observers. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, they pulled in the largest audience ever for the festival's 5 PM slot. Furthermore, videos showing massive crowds dispersing immediately after their performance went viral, with approximately 75% of the audience leaving once NewJeans finished. The enthusiastic crowd sang along to every word—not just English lyrics but Korean ones too. This extraordinary reception came just days after their "Get Up" EP hit #1 on the Billboard 200 chart, creating a perfect storm of momentum.

Impact on NewJeans

This landmark performance strengthened their position as global stars. Danielle was seen crying tears of joy backstage, overwhelmed by the experience. The five teenagers had successfully performed before hundreds of thousands at a major international festival just one year after debut. Their Lollapalooza appearance amplified their American presence, with Weverse livestream reaching over 137,000 viewers and YouTube stream surpassing 88,000 concurrent viewers. Hanni later reflected: "This whole experience has been so incredible and crazy and unreal and just the most amazing experience we could've possibly experienced". Ultimately, this achievement cemented NewJeans' status as not merely K-pop sensations but legitimate international music stars capable of commanding massive festival crowds.

NewJeans' Japanese Debut with 'Supernatural'

June 2024 marked a strategic expansion for NewJeans as they officially entered the Japanese market with their debut single "Supernatural," released on June 21, 2024, continuing their streak of groundbreaking achievements.

What happened

The Japanese debut single featured four tracks: the title track "Supernatural," B-side "Right Now," and instrumental versions of both songs. "Supernatural" showcased a new jack swing style highlighting the members' soft vocals while incorporating samples from Pharrell Williams' 2009 collaboration with Japanese singer Manami titled "Back of My Mind". The release was accompanied by significant promotional activities, including collaborations with Japanese visual artist Takashi Murakami, who designed artwork for the CD single and helped create the music video. Additionally, Japanese designer Hiroshi Fujiwara partnered with NewJeans on a line of apparel and accessories available in pop-up stores in South Korea and Japan.

Most remarkably, NewJeans held their fan meeting "Bunnies Camp 2024 Tokyo Dome" on June 26-27, performing over 20 songs at Japan's largest stadium. On December 16, 2024, they delivered an extraordinary performance of "Supernatural" at Warner Bros' Harry Potter studio, dressed in Hogwarts uniforms and carrying magic wands.

Why it shocked fans

The scale of NewJeans' Japanese debut stunned industry observers. The single sold an impressive 685,753 copies on its release day alone, immediately topping Japan's daily domestic album charts. "Supernatural" reached #1 on the Oricon "Daily Single Ranking" for three consecutive days (June 21-23). Furthermore, the song achieved unprecedented crossover success, entering South Korea's Melon "Top 100" at #34 on release day before climbing to #8, becoming the highest-charting J-pop song in Melon's history.

Most astonishingly, NewJeans became the fastest non-Japanese artist to perform at Tokyo Dome—just 1 year and 11 months after their debut. The budget allocated for their Harry Potter-themed performance left fans amazed, with one noting: "The copyright and set costs shows how much Japan values NewJeans".

Impact on NewJeans

This successful Japanese launch solidified their global appeal amidst ongoing label disputes. "Supernatural" debuted at #14 on Billboard's "Global Excl. U.S." chart and #25 on the "Global 200". Simultaneously, all four tracks from their recent releases charted on Billboard's global song charts, proving their worldwide impact.

The Tokyo Dome concerts drew over 91,200 fans, with member Hyein returning to perform despite her April foot injury. Japanese culture columnist Motohiko Tokuriki noted: "NewJeans' successful debut in Japan is breaking down barriers between the two countries. Their global stardom serves as a gateway for introducing Japan's hit songs and musicians to the world".

The Sudden Livestream Addressing HYBE

On September 11, 2024, the K-pop industry was blindsided when all five NewJeans members appeared in an unannounced 30-minute YouTube livestream from a newly created account named "nwjeans," directly addressing their conflict with HYBE and expressing support for former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin.

What happened

Without prior notice to their agency, members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein spoke candidly about their frustrations with HYBE. Youngest member Hyein, 16, clarified that the livestream was their own decision, stating that the situation "directly affected the lives" of NewJeans. The members revealed troubling incidents, including leaked medical records and private trainee videos that HYBE allegedly failed to address. Vietnamese-Australian member Hanni shared a disturbing experience at HYBE headquarters where another group's manager instructed members to "ignore her". The quintet ultimately demanded Min Hee-jin's reinstatement as ADOR CEO by September 25.

Why it shocked fans

This unprecedented move stunned the industry as K-pop idols rarely publicly criticize their management companies. The livestream revealed a deep disconnect between NewJeans and HYBE, with Haerin claiming they learned about Min's dismissal through news reports, which "made it clear to us that they don't respect us at all". Danielle's emotional plea resonated widely: "I truly can't understand why anyone would do this to a group, or just anyone in general. We are just working hard for our dreams. Did we do something wrong?". The video was suddenly deleted after broadcasting, adding to the mysterious circumstances.

Impact on NewJeans

HYBE's shares immediately plunged 6.2%—their biggest intraday fall in a month. The hashtag "#HYBE_STOP_SABOTAGING_NEWJEANS" trended globally on social media platforms. Financial analysts noted the significant implications, predicting that "NewJeans will account for 14% of HYBE's operating profits this year". Remarkably, this livestream marked the beginning of increasingly public conflict, with Hanni later summoned to testify at a National Assembly audit regarding the workplace harassment she described. The broadcast ultimately pushed the previously private dispute into the public spotlight, fundamentally altering the group's relationship with their management company.

Rebranding to NJZ Amid Legal Dispute

In February 2025, NewJeans shocked the K-pop community by officially rebranding as NJZ amid their intensifying legal battle with ADOR and parent company HYBE. This unprecedented move marked another chapter in their ongoing dispute with management, fundamentally altering their public identity.

What happened

On February 7, 2025, the five-member group announced their name change during an interview with CNN. Member Hanni explained they were "turning this rough period of time into something more exciting". The group simultaneously launched official social media accounts under the NJZ moniker, which quickly amassed significant followings—their Instagram gained over 5.2 million followers within days. They also revealed plans to debut new music at ComplexCon Hong Kong in March 2025, their first official appearance under the new name. Hanni emphasized they didn't want their legal dispute with ADOR "to be the focus of our careers", indicating their determination to continue artistic activities despite ongoing legal challenges.

Why it shocked fans

The rebranding caught fans off guard primarily because it signaled the group's defiance against their label. In their November 2024 announcement about leaving ADOR, the members had acknowledged they might no longer be able to use their original name. Korean netizens expressed mixed reactions to the new identity—some praised it for maintaining "a hip vibe while still keeping the essence of the original NewJeans name," whereas others criticized it, commenting that "NJZ doesn't sit right with me". Most surprisingly, the group announced a dramatic aesthetic shift, with Hanni explaining they were moving from their signature "girl next door" image to something "a lot more sharp, a lot more bold".

Impact on NewJeans

In response, ADOR maintained that their contract with NewJeans "remains in full effect" and filed for a court injunction to prevent NJZ from signing advertising deals. The label expressed concern that "announcing an unauthorized new group name or engaging in entertainment activities before a legal judgment is reached... could constitute a material breach of the exclusive agency contract". A preliminary court hearing was scheduled for March 2025, with the lawsuit set for April. Regardless of legal outcomes, Haerin indicated the group was working on new music with a "very unique and different sound," declaring "there's nothing holding us back anymore". Ultimately, this rebranding represented both a significant risk and a bold declaration of independence.

Testimony at the National Assembly

In October 2024, the K-pop industry witnessed an unprecedented event when NewJeans member Hanni took the stand at South Korea's National Assembly to formally address workplace harassment allegations against HYBE. This rare moment of emotional candidness marked the first time a K-pop girl group member testified before government officials about internal industry practices.

What happened

On October 15, 2024, the 20-year-old Vietnamese-Australian idol appeared before the Labour Committee in a televised parliamentary audit. Hanni recounted several distressing experiences, including an incident where another HYBE group's manager instructed members to "ignore her" after she greeted them at the company building. Visibly emotional, she described feeling consistently disrespected: "Since my debut, we ran into a person in a high-up position many times, but they never greeted me when I greeted them". She ultimately concluded, "I came to the realization that this wasn't just a feeling. I was honestly convinced that the company hated us". ADOR CEO Ju Young Kim, who replaced Min Hee-jin, responded that she "believed" Hanni but had "unfortunately failed" to find supporting evidence.

Why it shocked fans

This testimony stunned the industry because K-pop idols rarely speak publicly about internal conflicts, especially at government proceedings. The media frenzy was intense, with reporters swarming the Seoul court as Hanni arrived. Indeed, some critics called it "unprecedented for the National Assembly to include a celebrity dispute as a subject of a state audit". Yet others praised her courage, especially after the revelation that over 400 faxes from fans had flooded Assembly members' offices demanding the issue be addressed.

Impact on NewJeans

Afterward, fellow members rallied around Hanni. Minji stated, "In my heart, I was shouting, 'That's my girl'". Danielle recalled running to hug Hanni when she returned to their dorm in tears. Unfortunately, the labor ministry eventually rejected a petition claiming workplace harassment, ruling that "artists aren't legally classified as workers" under Korean law. This technicality highlighted broader industry issues, with Hanni concluding her testimony by saying: "I hope trainees don't suffer these incidents... if we just respect each other, at least there will be no problems with bullying and harassment in the workplace".

Termination of Contracts with ADOR

In a stunning late-night press conference on November 28, 2024, NewJeans officially announced the termination of their contracts with ADOR, escalating their conflict with the agency to unprecedented levels. This announcement came exactly 14 days after the group sent a legal notice demanding ADOR resolve alleged breaches of their exclusive contracts.

What happened

The five members declared their contracts would end at midnight, citing ADOR's failure to protect them. "NewJeans is an artist of ADOR, and ADOR is obligated to protect NewJeans. It is the most basic obligation that an agency has," Minji stated during the conference. Hanni elaborated that they had "faced mistreatment, not just towards us but also including our staff" and experienced "deliberate miscommunications and manipulation in multiple areas". The group maintained they followed proper legal procedure, giving ADOR a 14-day grace period to rectify contract violations before termination took effect.

Why it shocked fans

This decision stunned the K-pop industry primarily because artists rarely terminate contracts unilaterally. K-netizens expressed mixed reactions—many supported the members while acknowledging the inevitable "endless legal battle" ahead. What particularly surprised observers was the financial implications, as reports initially estimated termination penalties could reach 300 billion South Korean Won (approximately £170 million). Haerin firmly rejected these claims, stating: "We never broke any rules. We did nothing but try our best - they are the ones at fault. Hybe and Ador are the ones responsible".

Impact on NewJeans

Immediately following the announcement, ADOR insisted their contract "remains in full effect" through 2029, stating: "A unilateral claim that trust has been broken does not constitute valid grounds for termination". This standoff forced both parties into legal proceedings, with ADOR filing a lawsuit on December 3 in Seoul Central District Court to confirm the contract's validity. Meanwhile, the members faced uncertainty about using their group name, with Danielle acknowledging: "We may not be able to use our current name NewJeans, however, that doesn't mean we are giving up on the name at all". Throughout this dispute, the members continued fulfilling previously scheduled appearances while insisting they were now "free agents".

ADOR's Lawsuit and ₩1 Billion Fine Threat

On May 30, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court delivered a severe blow to NJZ by imposing a hefty financial penalty amid their ongoing legal battle with ADOR. This marked another critical escalation in the dispute that began after the group's contract termination announcement.

What happened

The court ordered each NewJeans member to pay ₩1 billion (approximately $730,000) per violation for conducting unauthorized activities outside ADOR's control. This ruling came after the group performed at ComplexCon Hong Kong as "NJZ" and released a song titled "Pit Stop" without ADOR's consent. Judge Heo Kyung Moo cited previous violations of the March injunction that prevented independent promotional activities, explaining, "Even after the provisional injunction, they violated the obligations, and it seems like they will continue to violate it in the future". Ultimately, if all five members performed together, the total penalty could reach ₩5 billion ($3.60 million) for a single unauthorized event.

Why it shocked fans

The unprecedented penalty stunned the K-pop community due to its severity. According to legal experts, this substantial fine represented a "strong decision to increase the injunction's effectiveness". Unexpectedly, the judge specifically criticized the group for releasing music under their new name NJZ instead of NewJeans. Throughout the industry, this case set a new precedent, as the legal community noted this was among the heaviest penalties ever imposed in Korean entertainment contract disputes. Furthermore, the court's decision highlighted the growing concern that unilateral contract terminations could "undermine investment in the entertainment industry and destabilize the K-pop sector".

Impact on NewJeans

In response, the group dismissed the ruling as "temporary until the appeal is resolved". The members strengthened their legal team by adding Park Hyung Nam, a 65-year-old former director of the Judicial Policy Research Institute. Accordingly, ADOR fortified its own representation with former Constitutional Court justice Kang Il Won and attorney Chun Ji Sung, bringing its total legal team to 13 attorneys. The ongoing dispute pushed their second appeal case to Civil Division 25 of the Seoul High Court. This legal battle created significant financial uncertainty, as some experts speculated the total penalty for breaching their contract could potentially reach 620 billion won (approximately $420 million).

NJZ's ComplexCon Debut Performance

ComplexCon Hong Kong witnessed a historic performance on March 23, 2025, as the members of NewJeans took the stage as NJZ for the first time, delivering an emotionally charged set that culminated in a shocking announcement about their future.

What happened

The five members emerged individually to perform solo covers rather than their signature synchronized routines. Danielle opened with a spirited rendition of TLC's "No Scrubs," followed by Minji performing Upsahl's defiant "Smile for the Camera." Haerin and Hyein delivered soulful interpretations of songs by The Internet and SWV respectively, while Hanni concluded with a peppy take on Ghost Town DJs' "My Boo". Notably, the group debuted one new song together titled "Pit Stop," which pulsed with intense drum 'n' bass elements.

Most dramatically, after their performance, the members gathered onstage, visibly emotional, to announce what they described as "our last performance for a little while". Reading from prepared statements in both English and Korean, they explained: "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".

Why it shocked fans

The announcement stunned the 11,000+ attendees, coming just two days after the Seoul court had granted ADOR an injunction preventing the group from organizing independent activities. Remarkably, the members openly acknowledged the "mental and emotional toll" of their ongoing legal battle—an unusual display of vulnerability in the K-pop industry.

Curiously, the absence of NewJeans songs from their setlist (apart from "Pit Stop") further surprised fans, as the performance seemed carefully designed to avoid copyright issues. Throughout the event, members displayed subtle signals of their situation, including Minji wearing tights reading "Chapter NJZ".

Impact on NewJeans

Despite their legal challenges, NJZ's influence remained evident as ComplexCon reported record attendance of 35,000 over the three-day festival—a 16% increase from the previous year. Thousands lined up for merchandise, which sold out within hours.

Undeniably, this emotionally charged performance transformed what was intended to be a celebratory debut into what appeared to be a temporary farewell. Danielle's poignant words captured their resilience: "However, this doesn't mean that we are going to give up. We will keep pushing forward no matter what". As they left the stage after their eight-minute address, many members shed tears while fans offered thunderous support, underscoring the profound connection between NJZ and their audience amidst unprecedented industry turmoil.

Hiatus Announcement After Legal Ruling

Following a devastating court ruling on March 21, 2025, NJZ (formerly NewJeans) delivered a shocking announcement that reverberated throughout the K-pop community—they would indefinitely suspend all group activities.

What happened

Just two days after the Seoul Central District Court granted ADOR's injunction against the group, NJZ performed at ComplexCon Hong Kong on March 23, 2025. At the conclusion of their set, which included the debut of their new song "Pit Stop," the five members gathered onstage to make their unexpected announcement. Reading from prepared statements in both English and Korean, they explained: "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 members acknowledged the "mental and emotional toll" the legal battle had taken on them, with Hanni and Danielle explaining this pause was "about protecting ourselves so that we can come back even stronger".

Why it shocked fans

The announcement stunned the 11,000+ attendees at AsiaWorld Expo Arena, primarily because it came amid what appeared to be the group's successful rebranding efforts. The court ruling had forbidden them from organizing their own appearances, making music, or signing advertising deals during their dispute with ADOR, yet they had just performed under their new name. Fans were particularly surprised by the timing—the group had demonstrated defiance by performing as NJZ despite the injunction, only to announce their hiatus immediately afterward. Group leader Minji described the ruling as a "shock", highlighting the unexpectedness of this development even for the members themselves.

Impact on NewJeans

In response, ADOR released a statement expressing regret over "the members' decision to proceed with a performance under a name other than NewJeans, despite the court order, and their unilateral announcement of a suspension of activities". The label maintained they were "fully committed to supporting NewJeans, consistent with the terms of our legally valid exclusive contract". Nevertheless, NJZ indicated they would challenge the court's decision, with Danielle emphasizing: "This doesn't mean we're going to give up; we're going to keep going". Alongside potential penalties for breaching their contract that could reach 620 billion won (approximately $420 million), the hiatus created significant uncertainty about when—or if—fans would see the group perform together again.

NewJeans' Political Activism and Fan Support

Beyond their music and contract disputes, NewJeans made headlines for their political engagement—an unusual stance in the K-pop industry where artists typically avoid controversial topics entirely.

What happened

In December 2023, NewJeans took an unexpected step by supporting fans who participated in massive rallies calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment amid South Korea's martial law crisis. The members pre-paid for food and beverages at several restaurants near the National Assembly to support demonstrating fans. In parallel, their fandom "Team Bunnies" mobilized politically, with 30,000 members submitting a petition to the court urging it to dismiss ADOR's injunction request against the group. Fans openly declared support for the members' decision to terminate their contracts, stating: "We believe they were deliberately mistreated by Hybe and its chairman Bang Si-hyuk".

Why it shocked fans

This political involvement stunned industry observers as K-pop idols traditionally maintain political neutrality. One NewJeans fan, college student Lee Jeong-yoon, expressed her surprise: "Although NewJeans can't be labeled a progressive girl group, their support reassured me, making me feel they aren't entirely opposed to my political stance". Concurrently, member Hanni faced separate political controversy in Vietnam when a K-pop Facebook group published alleged family pictures showing emblems of the former South Vietnamese regime in her family's house. Vietnamese media outlets like Tuổi Trẻ and Người Lao Động covered the controversy, ultimately leading to speculation that the group might face performance restrictions in Vietnam.

Impact on NewJeans

The dual political situations strengthened the bond between NewJeans and their fanbase yet created complications. Team Bunnies emphasized the members' young ages—Minji and Hanni at 20, Danielle at 19, Haerin at 18, and Hyein at 16—arguing it would be "cruel to trap these young artists in an agency they can no longer trust". Conversely, industry organizations expressed concern that unilateral contract termination could "undermine the credibility of exclusive contracts". Vietnamese political commentators capitalized on Hanni's situation, with pro-government social media page Tifosi declaring "there are many idols but only one fatherland," implying supporting Hanni would be unpatriotic. Through these challenges, NewJeans demonstrated remarkable courage in an industry where companies typically speak for idols.