NewJeans Connects with Fans in Hong Kong Amid Legal Challenges

NewJeans, despite facing a court ruling that prohibits their independent activities under the name 'NJZ', successfully engaged with fans at the ComplexCon event held at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong on March 23. This performance marked their first public appearance following a decision by the Seoul Central District Court on March 21, which granted a provisional injunction requested by Ador, the group's management company, to prevent the members from pursuing independent activities.

During their debut stage, NewJeans showcased a fresh look, with member Danielle sporting a striking golden bob and Minji captivating fans with her long, dyed hair. The group delivered a vibrant performance, connecting with their local fanbase.

After the show, NewJeans expressed their excitement on their 'NJZ' social media account, posting messages like 'See u soon guys~ can’t wait!!' and 'My heart is pounding.'

The members—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—had unilaterally terminated their contract with Ador in November last year, leading to their independent activities. They also announced their new team name 'NJZ' through a newly created social media account last month.

In response, Ador sought legal confirmation of the validity of the members' contracts, resulting in the court's ruling that upheld the injunction. Following this decision, Ador expressed gratitude for the court's wise judgment and affirmed their commitment to supporting NewJeans as their management company. They emphasized their intention to provide ample support for the ComplexCon performance and expressed hope for a sincere dialogue with the artists soon.

Conversely, the NewJeans members shared their disappointment regarding the court's ruling in an interview with TIME magazine, stating, 'We were disappointed by the court's decision, but we didn't expect the issues in the K-pop industry to change overnight. Compared to everything we've been through, this is just another stage in our journey. This is the reality in Korea. However, we believe that change and growth are necessary. It seems like Korea wants to make us revolutionaries.'