NewJeans Faces Hiatus Risk Amid Prolonged Legal Battle, Potential 'Old Jeans' Label

The K-pop sensation NewJeans, known for their unique concept, is facing a severe risk of activity suspension due to an escalating legal dispute.

Concerns are mounting over the group's future as the legal battle between their agency ADOR and the members' representatives drags on. While NewJeans has claimed termination of their exclusive contract, the initial court ruling favored ADOR. Although NewJeans intends to appeal, legal experts predict a high likelihood of ADOR winning the second trial as well.

The 'Kang & Park Lawyers' channel released a video titled 'Why We Might Not See NewJeans Until 2027,' analyzing the situation. The lawyers warned that if NewJeans pursues the case to the Supreme Court, their activities could be halted until 2027, potentially missing their prime 'golden era.' In the fast-paced K-pop industry, a gap of two to three years can be detrimental, and analyses suggest that new girl groups are already filling the void left by NewJeans.

This prolonged legal battle could also negatively impact NewJeans' image and marketability. Public opinion has not been entirely sympathetic to NewJeans' claims.

Furthermore, the outcome of this ruling may influence the ongoing lawsuit between ADOR's former CEO Min Hee-jin and HYBE regarding put options. The court has previously acknowledged circumstances suggesting Min's attempt to establish an independent group with NewJeans, making future developments in that trial highly anticipated.

Netizens expressed concern, with comments like 'This is so sad, what will happen to NewJeans' activities?', 'I hope they can resolve this quickly,' and 'Poor NewJeans members, caught in the middle.'