K-Pop Group NewJeans Vows to Continue Label Battle Despite Court Setback: ‘This Fight Is Necessary’

variety.com:

Naman Ramachandran In their first interview since a South Korean court blocked their attempt to leave record label Ador, K-pop phenomenon NewJeans told the BBC they will continue to fight despite the setback. “This fight is necessary.

Although it will be extremely difficult and arduous, we will keep doing what we have done so far and speak up,” said Haerin, one of the group’s five members.

The court ruling, which ordered NewJeans — made up of Haerin, Hanni, Minji, Danielle and Hyein — to cease all “independent” activities while their case against Ador is ongoing, came as a “shock” to the group, who learned of the decision while rehearsing for a performance in Hong Kong. “Some people think that we’re famous enough to do whatever we want and say whatever we please.

But the truth is, it’s not like that at all,” Hyein told the BBC. “We held it in for a long time, and only now have we finally spoken up about what we think, what we feel and the unfairness we’ve experienced.” In a statement to the BBC, Ador maintained that the contract with NewJeans remains valid, suggesting that “most of their claims have risen from misunderstandings.” The court sided with Ador, stating that NewJeans did not “sufficiently prove” contract violations and that the label had fulfilled “most of its duties.” Despite the court order, NewJeans performed their new single “Pit Stop” under their rebranded name “NJZ” at their Hong Kong concert, which culminated in a tearful announcement of their hiatus.