After parting ways with HYBE’s ADOR, NewJeans have enlisted the high-powered Shin & Kim LLC (Sejong) as their lawyers to handle the legal issues with their (apparently) former company. The group has claimed that HYBE’s ADOR tried tying them down with an invalid exclusive contract, all while blocking the members’ new endorsement possibilities.
On January 23, 2025, NewJeans hopped onto their fresh Instagram account @jeanzforfree to spill the legal tea. They accused the companies of ghosting them under the idea of “long-term break” and of fueling negative rumors through the Internet. Even more shocking, NewJeans claim their agencies secretly approached their parents in an attempt to manipulate them.
Refusing to back down, the quintet made it crystal clear: they aren’t returning ADOR or HYBE. In addition, they apologized to fans for the drama, promising a fight for their creative freedom and a musical comeback. Finally, the members also announced they would temporarily change their group name and asked their fans (also known as Bunnies) to help them with suggestions for a fresh name.