NewJeans Halts Activities, Fanbase Divided Over Legal Battle

NewJeans, the group that had been notifying fans of their independent activities, has now declared a halt to all engagements. This announcement has led to a visible divide within their fanbase, Bunnies.

As of the 28th, the group's unofficial account, NJZ, has been inactive since its last post on the 23rd. NewJeans used this platform to share daily updates and maintain a close connection with fans, but since the teaser for their new song 'Pit Stop' before their Hong Kong ComplexCon performance, there have been no further posts. The comment section has also been disabled, marking a stark contrast to their usual active engagement with fans.

Min Hee-jin, the former head of ADOR, who frequently communicated with Bunnies via social media, has also disabled comments on her accounts. NewJeans debuted 'Pit Stop' at Hong Kong ComplexCon on the 23rd, but since then, the members—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—have remained out of the public eye, announcing their hiatus not as NewJeans or NJZ, but under their individual names.

The fanbase is reacting with concern and division. Team Bunnies, a faction supporting Min Hee-jin, released a statement on the 25th, indicating they've consulted with the members' parents and legal advisors since the court's decision on March 21. They emphasized the need for an objective review of the situation and are preparing a detailed legal stance.

Conversely, another segment of the fanbase is urging NewJeans to negotiate with ADOR. On the 27th, fans displayed messages on a truck outside HYBE's Seoul office, criticizing the legal battle's potential risks and urging the adults involved to protect the members from significant financial penalties and prolonged absence from the industry.

The Seoul Central District Court recently ruled in favor of ADOR in a provisional injunction case against NewJeans members, contesting the termination of their contract with ADOR last November. The members have appealed the decision, asserting their actions' legitimacy in interviews with international media, including TIME and BBC News Korea.

With the main lawsuit between the five members and ADOR scheduled for April, concerns are growing over the group's extended hiatus. Industry experts predict the legal battle could last from one to three years, further delaying NewJeans' return to activities.