The K-pop sensation NewJeans, now performing as NJZ, recently sat down with the BBC for an exclusive interview. The five members—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—spoke candidly about their ongoing legal battle with their former label, ADOR, and their unwavering decision to separate despite a court ruling on March 21, 2025, that restricts their independent activities. Even with their activities temporarily suspended, NewJeans remains resolute, declaring, “This is our life. No one else should decide it for us.”
Why They Won’t Return to ADOR
The Seoul Central District Court’s decision upheld ADOR as NewJeans’ official agency, banning the group from pursuing independent endeavors like releasing music or performing without ADOR’s approval. ADOR expressed intentions to “support the artists fully,” even backing their upcoming performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong. However, the members revealed they were blindsided by this move, deepening their resolve to leave.
“We were really shocked. We had already explained how much we were struggling and that we couldn’t work together anymore. But then, without even consulting us, they said they were coming to our event again… It felt like the same pattern repeating itself.”— Minji, NewJeans
Minji emphasized the emotional toll, stating, “We’ve suffered significant emotional distress. To go back and endure that pain again would be cruel.” Danielle reinforced this, adding, “This isn’t about getting sympathy. We just wanted to do what we love properly. But lies and misunderstandings keep getting in the way.” The group cites a complete loss of trust in ADOR as a key reason for their refusal to return.
The Courage to Speak Out
NewJeans has faced skepticism about their decision, with some suggesting they should have endured the situation silently. Hyein countered this, saying, “For us, this was about protecting ourselves. We needed to stand firm so that we could return stronger.” Hanni, who testified at a National Assembly hearing about workplace mistreatment, highlighted a broader mission.
“It would have been easy for our issue to be ignored. But I was given the chance to speak, so I took it. This isn’t just about us—it’s about ensuring all employees are treated with respect in their workplaces.”— Hanni, NewJeans
Despite their efforts, the Ministry of Employment and Labor ruled that NewJeans did not qualify as employees, dismissing their harassment claims. ADOR presented selective CCTV footage and messages to refute the allegations, which Hanni called a “twisting” of her words. When the BBC sought clarification from ADOR about Hanni’s messages, the company declined to comment.
A Decision They Made Together
Rumors have circulated that the young members were manipulated into leaving ADOR, but Hanni firmly dismissed this. “People assume we’re too young to make our own decisions. But just because we’re young doesn’t mean we take things any less seriously or think about them any less. We took this very seriously and discussed everything in depth. The five of us agreed, and that’s why we took this step.”
She added, “If we had stayed silent, only HYBE’s version of events and media reports would have been accepted as truth. We couldn’t stand by and let our words be twisted or the real issues be obscured.” Minji admitted the fear involved: “Of course we were scared. We knew we would be judged from the moment we spoke up. Every word and action carries huge responsibility.” Yet, Hyein encapsulated their resolve: “This is our life. No one else should decide it for us.”
Living Each Day Like a Documentary
The past year has been tumultuous for NewJeans. Hyein described it as “living through a documentary every single day,” confessing, “I don’t know what will happen tomorrow. I just tell myself to survive today.” Though she once questioned the hardship, she now sees it as a necessary step toward a solution.
Danielle shared her emotional journey: “I thought ignoring everything would make it easier. I pushed down my feelings and tried to focus only on preparing for performances. But in reality, that just made things worse.” She has since learned to express her emotions, gaining a broader perspective. Hanni, meanwhile, revealed her deepest fear: “I’m terrified of losing who I am. If that happens, everything falls apart. But I still have myself, and I have my members and family beside me.”
The members emphasized that their bond has strengthened through this ordeal, with countless discussions guiding their choices. “We’ve constantly discussed what’s best in each moment. We know we haven’t made perfect decisions every time, but we’ve always done our best to make the right choices,” they said collectively.
What’s Next?
Though the court ruling has forced a temporary suspension of their activities, NewJeans remains defiant. Their future is uncertain, but their determination is unwavering. As they navigate this legal battle, their message of resilience resonates with fans worldwide. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.
