Former NewJeans Members Appear in Court for Activity Ban Hearing

On March 7, the five former members of NewJeans, now known as NJZ, attended a court hearing regarding an activity ban requested by their former agency, Ador. The hearing took place at 10:30 AM at the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Kim Sang-hoon. The members had announced their contract termination with Ador due to alleged breaches on November 29, 2024, and subsequently rebranded as NJZ to pursue independent activities. In January, Ador filed for a temporary injunction to prohibit NJZ's activities. Initially, the agency sought to prevent NJZ from signing independent advertising contracts, but later expanded their request to include all music and entertainment activities. Additionally, Ador has filed a lawsuit in December 2024, seeking confirmation that their contract with NewJeans remains valid. NJZ's representatives argued that Ador's claims are a facade, stating that the agency is attempting to restrict all entertainment activities, which undermines NJZ's core identity as a music group. In contrast, Ador contends that NJZ's recent announcements of new music and major overseas performances prompted their legal actions. The court session is expected to address the validity of the contract termination and the legality of NJZ's ongoing activities.