In a press conference last November, the five members – Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein – announced their departure from the company, saying Hybe and Ador had lost the right to represent them as artists.
They subsequently filed court papers seeking a legal separation from the agency, but the case has yet to be heard.
Ador argues that the band’s contract, which runs until 2027, should be upheld.
The label has already finalised a schedule for the quintet’s next 12 months, which includes releasing a new album and hosting fan meetings, amongst other activities.
However, the band members have continued to assert their independence, creating a new Instagram account under the name “jeanzforfree, external“, where they have been hosting regular live-streams with fans.
The band say they will fight to keep their name, and their career, and will remain “NewJeans at heart” even if they lose that fight.
