NewJeans’ fans carries protest outside HYBE headquarters over its legal struggle with ADOR

Fans of NJZ (previously known as NewJeans) voiced their concerns about the group’s protracted legal struggle, leading to a heated protest outside HYBE’s headquarters in Yongsan, Seoul, on March 27, according to Ten Asia. It wasa recommended that NJZ members—Haerin, Minji, Hyein, Danielle, and Hanni and their families reconsider their legal stance and fulfill their contractual obligations.

Protest trucks carried digital billboards with messages: “Team Bunnies does not speak for the entire fandom.” “If adults truly care for NJZ, don’t put them at risk” and “Adults around NJZ, stop the gaslighting.” While some banners accused the adults around the group of influencing NJZ’s decisions, other placards advocated for communication between NJZ and ADOR. Messages like these expressed the demonstrators’ worries about the group’s future.

Significant worries were also expressed by protesters on the possible financial consequences, which can entail steep fines, penalties for violations, and drawn-out legal proceedings. Some messages read: “An unwinnable fight, astronomical penalties—wake up!” and “If they regret it later, the risks NJZ will bear will be too great.”

This demonstration happened a few days after the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 50 ruled in favor of ADOR on March 21 and issued an injunction prohibiting NJZ from going into independent contracts. The ruling disputed NJZ’s claim that their contract with ADOR had expired as of November 2024 and raised questions about their ability to conduct autonomous operations.

The members voiced their displeasure with the court’s ruling in an interview with TIME on March 22. In an interview with BBC News Korea on March 26, NJZ refuted reports that Min Hee Jin, the former CEO of ADOR, planned their relocation.