NewJeans Announce Hiatus Amid Legal Battle, Dividing Fanbase

NewJeans, the popular K-pop group, has announced a hiatus, causing a rift within their fanbase, known as Bunnies.

As of October 28, the unofficial NewJeans account NJZ on social media has been inactive since October 23. The group, known for sharing daily updates and engaging with fans, has not posted since teasing their new song 'Pit Stop' before their performance at Hong Kong ComplexCon. The account's comment section is also disabled, marking a stark contrast to their usual interaction with fans.

Similarly, Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of ADOR, who frequently communicated with Bunnies through her social media, has also disabled comments on her account.

On October 23, NewJeans debuted their new song 'Pit Stop' at Hong Kong ComplexCon. The members—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—took the stage under their individual names to announce their hiatus and have since remained out of the public eye.

The announcement has left the NewJeans fanbase divided, with differing opinions emerging. On October 25, Team Bunnies, known to support Min Hee-jin, released a statement saying, "Since the provisional ruling on March 21, Team Bunnies has been in contact with the members' parents and legal representatives for extensive discussions." They added, "We have sought advice from various legal experts to review the situation objectively and have prepared a statement outlining our position."

Acknowledging the confusion among fans, they stated, "Many legal professionals are deeply discussing the current situation, and Team Bunnies is preparing a statement summarizing the key legal issues. Although challenging, we have completed sufficient discussions and are ready with future plans."

Conversely, some Bunnies are urging NewJeans to engage in dialogue with ADOR. On October 27, a truck with a digital billboard was spotted outside HYBE's headquarters in Seoul, displaying messages such as "Team Bunnies' opinion is not representative of the entire fandom. Dialogue between NewJeans and ADOR is necessary," and "Stop gaslighting NewJeans."

These fans express concern over potential financial penalties NewJeans might face due to the lawsuit, with messages like "If you care for NewJeans, don't put them at risk," and "This is a losing battle with astronomical penalties and damages. Wake up."

The Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 50, led by Chief Judge Kim Sang-hoon, ruled in favor of ADOR's injunction against NewJeans on October 21, preventing the group from engaging in independent activities and signing advertising contracts. NewJeans had claimed their contract with ADOR was terminated in November last year, but the court's decision has halted their plans.

In response, the five members have filed an objection to the court's decision, asserting in international interviews that their actions are justified. In an interview with TIME magazine on October 22, they expressed disappointment, stating, "It seems Korea wants to make us revolutionaries." They also denied rumors of Min Hee-jin's involvement in an interview with BBC News Korea on October 26.

With the main lawsuit between the five members and ADOR scheduled for April, there are concerns about an extended hiatus. Industry experts predict the legal battle could last from one to three years.

Choi Ji-ye, TenAsia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr