NewJeans to Appear at ComplexCon Hong Kong Amid Legal Challenges

K-pop group NewJeans is set to make their first official appearance today, March 23, at ComplexCon in Hong Kong, despite facing legal hurdles that have restricted their independent activities. The group was originally scheduled to debut under their new name NJZ at this event after announcing the name change last month. However, on March 21, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of their agency, Ador, granting a preliminary injunction that prohibits the five members from engaging in entertainment activities without prior approval from the agency. This ruling effectively blocks NewJeans from using the NJZ name and pursuing solo projects. In response, Ador expressed gratitude for the court's decision, affirming their commitment to supporting the artists. Meanwhile, NewJeans stated that the ruling does not reflect the complete breakdown of trust between the members and Ador, as they continue to fight the legal battle regarding the validity of their exclusive contracts. Despite these challenges, the members confirmed their attendance at ComplexCon and expressed excitement about performing, stating, 'We have our Bunnies (fans) to turn tough times into joyful memories.' They also shared their disappointment with the court's decision in a recent interview with TIME magazine, emphasizing that they did not expect such drastic changes in the K-pop industry overnight. Concerns have been raised that their current actions could negatively impact the ongoing legal proceedings.