NewJeans Members Announce Temporary New Stage Names Amid Legal Dispute
The members of NewJeans (Minji, Hani, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein) have announced plans to temporarily use new stage names for their activities. On January 23, the group shared the news through their Instagram account, jeanzforfree, directly addressing their fandom, Bunnies. “We plan to collect suggestions for our temporary stage names over the next two days. Please participate by leaving comments,” they stated.
In the post, the members outlined their grievances against HYBE and ADOR, accusing them of continuous interference during their activities and of spreading baseless criticism through media and online channels following the termination of their exclusive contract.
The group expressed their firm stance, declaring, “Let us be clear: the five of us have no intention of returning to HYBE or ADOR, who have proven themselves untrustworthy.”
Full Statement
“Hello, This is Minji, Hani, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein.
We’ve learned through media reports that ADOR has filed a request for a “provisional injunction to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract” against us, followed by a request to prohibit advertising contracts and signing deals with third parties. We have also been informed that ADOR and HYBE have submitted their complaints and applications, while we have appointed Sejong Law Firm as our legal representatives. Given that ADOR and HYBE have designated Kim & Chang Law Firm to represent them, we felt the need to engage a capable legal team that can respond effectively. Sejong is best suited for this task, as they are already well aware of the mistakes and issues caused by ADOR and HYBE.
Both HYBE and ADOR have failed to fulfill their responsibilities as an agency in protecting and fostering us as their artists. Throughout our activities, we faced significant obstacles, both big and small. In reality, the words “a break to reorganize schedules” were merely a way of forcing us into indefinite hiatus while replacing and abandoning us.
After the exclusive contract was unfairly terminated, baseless rumors about us began to flood through various media outlets and platforms, primarily due to the lack of proper clarification or protection from ADOR and HYBE. It’s clear that ADOR is at the center of this issue, making it impossible for us to believe they have any intention to act in good faith.
Despite this, ADOR and HYBE have approached us, asking us to return and endure one-sided narrative to please the public eye. Recently, they’ve also reached out to our parents in an attempt to persuade and pressure us, exploiting emotional vulnerabilities to sway us back. They’ve resorted to unethical methods, attempting to divide and silence us, while manipulating the media.
Let us be clear: the five of us have absolutely no intention of returning to HYBE or ADOR.
Even after the termination of our exclusive contract, we have always sought to resolve matters peacefully and in accordance with our agreements, avoiding any unnecessary conflict and ensuring that no harm comes to others involved. However, seeing ADOR and HYBE cause harm through unacceptable and improper means, despite our sincere intentions, leaves us deeply frustrated.
We will fight firmly through legal procedures to expose the wrongful actions of ADOR and HYBE, clarify the truth, and ensure accountability.
To the fans who have supported and loved us, we deeply regret causing you concern. However, we promise to stand tall and fight this battle properly, so we can once again bring you our music freely in the near future. Thank you for your continued support.”
They further claimed, “Behind the scenes, they continue to harass and attack us relentlessly. Recently, they even attempted to meet with some of our parents in secret to manipulate and divide us.” The group vowed to expose the wrongdoing through legal action, adding, “We will fight boldly in court to reveal the truth and hold ADOR and HYBE accountable.”
The Instagram account jeanzforfree was created by the members last month to communicate their activities and positions following the termination of their contract with ADOR on November 29.
The account has also been used to share personal updates, such as a recent revelation that the members pre-paid for food to support fans attending a protest in favor of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment.
Since parting ways with ADOR, the members have refrained from using the NewJeans name in official settings, opting instead to be referred to by their individual names. This decision stems from ADOR’s ownership of the NewJeans trademark.
Earlier this month, during the 39th Golden Disc Awards, the members completed their contractual obligations with ADOR but referred to themselves individually rather than as NewJeans.
In response to the termination, ADOR has filed a lawsuit for the “confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contract” and recently requested a court injunction to prevent the members from signing new contracts or engaging in advertising deals. ADOR maintains that the exclusive contract with NewJeans remains valid until July 2029.
The ongoing legal battle has placed NewJeans at the center of public attention, with fans eagerly awaiting updates on the group’s future endeavors.