Global K-pop group NewJeans, also known as NJZ, faced aggressive media attention as reporters blocked members Danielle and Minji during a private court hearing. Fans and netizens expressed anger over the disrespectful behavior, which was broadcast live despite the sensitive nature of the event.
NewJeans Members Harassed by Reporters Outside Court
Danielle and Minji of NewJeans arrived at the Seoul Central District Court on August 14, 2025, for a closed-door mediation session with their former label, ADOR. The hearing was part of an ongoing legal dispute over contract validity and management rights. However, reporters crowded the two idols, blocking their path and shouting questions, even though the mediation was supposed to be private.
“Nasty reporters still asked questions and blocked Danielle & Minjiโs way to court even though it was a closed court private mediation, KBS even broadcast it live.”
The incident was captured on video and shared widely, leading to backlash from fans who criticized the media for disrespecting the artists’ privacy.
Legal Battle Between NewJeans and ADOR Continues
The court mediation was an attempt to resolve the conflict between NewJeans and ADOR, but no agreement was reached. A second mediation is scheduled for September 11, 2025, and if that fails, a final court decision will be made on October 30, 2025 .
The dispute began earlier this year when HYBE, ADORโs parent company, accused former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin of trying to take control of the group. In response, NewJeans members publicly supported Min and later announced they were leaving ADOR, rebranding as NJZ .
Fans Demand Respect for NewJeansโ Privacy
Netizens expressed fury over the reportersโ behavior, calling it invasive and unprofessional. Many pointed out that the court hearing was meant to be confidential, yet some media outlets treated it as a public spectacle.
“This is unacceptable. The girls were there for a legal matter, not a press conference. The media should respect their space.” โ Fan comment on social media.
The groupโs fanbase, known as Bunnies, has been vocal in defending NewJeans, especially after the members announced an indefinite hiatus in March due to the legal struggles .
ADOR and HYBEโs Stance on the Conflict
ADOR maintains that NewJeansโ contracts are still valid and has filed lawsuits to prevent the group from working independently. The label also requested media outlets to refer to the group as NewJeans instead of NJZ, arguing that the name change was not approved .
Meanwhile, NewJeans members have insisted they will continue fighting for their independence. They recently wiped their NJZ-related social media accounts, renaming them to something that appears to reference their initials .
With the next court date approaching, the future of NewJeans remains uncertain. The group has been one of K-popโs biggest success stories, breaking records on Spotify and Billboard, but the legal battle has halted their activities.
Despite the challenges, fans remain hopeful that NewJeans will return stronger. The members have promised to keep fighting for their rights, with Minji stating:
“We truly believe that standing up for our dignity, our rights, and everything we deeply care about is something we had to do.”
Also Read: NewJeans Wins Major Legal Battle Against YouTuber Over Cyber Harassment and Comments
Credits: Koreaboo, NPR, BBC
