NewJeans Seeks New Stage Name Amid Legal Dispute with ADOR
K-pop group NewJeans has announced a public contest to select a temporary stage name, further intensifying their ongoing legal battle with their former agency, ADOR, and its parent company, HYBE.
Public Contest for a NewJeans New Name
On January 23, NewJeans members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein posted on their newly created Instagram account (@jeanzforfree), saying:
“Bunnies!! We’re holding a two-day contest to decide a new stage name that we’ll use temporarily. Please participate by leaving a comment!”
The post quickly gained traction, garnering over 24,000 likes and 20,000 comments within an hour. Fans enthusiastically suggested names like “Bunnies” (their fandom name) and “NJ,” showing strong support for the group’s decision to move forward independently.
ADOR’s Reaction
ADOR responded swiftly, expressing regret over the group’s actions. The agency stated:
“The exclusive contract remains valid, and we are actively participating in court proceedings to confirm this. Holding a public contest for a new stage name before a legal ruling is a clear violation of the contract.”
ADOR previously filed an injunction with the Seoul Central District Court to prevent the members from signing independent contracts or engaging in activities without the agency’s approval. The agency argued that such actions could harm NewJeans’ brand value and disrupt the industry.
NewJeans’ Firm Stance
Earlier on January 23, NewJeans released a statement reiterating their decision not to return to ADOR or HYBE. They accused the agencies of failing to protect them and attempting to manipulate their families:
“ADOR and HYBE have continuously harassed us behind the scenes while publicly asking us to return. Recently, they even secretly met with some of our parents in an attempt to persuade or divide us.”
The members emphasized their resolve:
“We have no intention of returning to ADOR or HYBE. We will fight through legal procedures to expose their wrongdoing and reveal the truth.”
Background of the Dispute
In November 2024, NewJeans declared the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR due to alleged breaches of trust and failure to fulfill contractual obligations. Since then, they have refrained from using the name “NewJeans” in their activities. However, ADOR maintains that the contract is still valid and has filed lawsuits to confirm its legitimacy.
What’s Next?
The group’s decision to hold a naming contest signals their determination to move forward independently despite legal challenges. Fans eagerly await the announcement of their temporary stage name and continue to show unwavering support for the members as they navigate this complex situation.
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