Court Rules NJZ Cannot Engage in Independent Activities Amid Contract Dispute

The girl group NewJeans, now known as NJZ, has been prohibited from engaging in independent entertainment activities due to a court ruling. On March 21, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 60, presided over by Judge Kim Sang-hoon, granted a request from Ador, NJZ's former agency, to prevent the five members from pursuing independent advertising contracts and activities.

The NJZ members announced their contract termination with Ador on November 29 of last year, citing a breach of contract. Following this, they changed their group name from NewJeans to NJZ and began independent activities. In response, Ador filed for an injunction in January, seeking to stop NJZ from entering into independent advertising contracts.

During a hearing on March 7, NJZ members expressed their desire to no longer work with Ador, and criticized the agency and HYBE for dismissing former CEO Min Hee-jin, stating, 'Min Hee-jin is also part of our team.'