K-Pop Fans from Various Fandoms Voice Support for NewJeans, What's Going On?

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A unique phenomenon occurred in the K-pop world towards the end of October 2025. Fans of major groups such as NCT, ATEEZ, and BABYMONSTER united in one voice: support for NewJeans.

On platform X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #WeSupportNJZ dominated global trends, demonstrating a rare display of cross-fandom solidarity. Although usually rivals in the K-pop world, this time the fans united behind a single goal, demanding justice for the five members of NewJeans: Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein.

Case Background: Contract, Tension, and Injunction

This case stems from a long-running conflict between NewJeans (NJZ) and ADOR, a label under HYBE Corporation.

The five members of NewJeans alleged unfair treatment and breach of contract, including limited control over their activities and non-transparent profit distribution. In June 2025, they filed a lawsuit with the Seoul District Court to terminate their exclusive contract with ADOR.

However, HYBE, through ADOR, claimed that the contract was still valid until 2029 and successfully obtained an injunction from the court. This ruling prohibited NewJeans from conducting independent activities such as performing, accepting endorsements, or signing new contracts until the main trial was concluded.

Since then, the group's activities have been completely halted for over four months, raising concerns among many.

October 30, 2025: Decision Day

October 30, 2025, was a crucial date in NewJeans' career. The Seoul District Court was scheduled to decide whether to accept or reject NewJeans' contract termination lawsuit.

If the court ruled in favor of NewJeans, they would be freed from their ADOR contract and could pursue their careers independently, either with a new label or independently.

Conversely, if the ruling favored ADOR, NewJeans would remain under contract, and any activities outside the agency could be considered illegal.

Not only were the fates of the five young idols at stake, but also the future of the K-pop contract system as a whole.

Widespread Support: 32 Public Figures Speak Out

Not only fans, but 32 South Korean public figures, including academics, cultural activists, and artists, also signed a joint statement urging the court to consider artists' rights to autonomy.

They called the long-term contract system, which binds artists for up to seven years, a form of subordination that must be ended immediately. In the statement, they asserted that "the entertainment industry should not sacrifice personal freedom for corporate profit."

This movement reinforces the narrative that the NewJeans case is not simply a dispute between idols and agencies, but a symbol of resistance against the overly dominant management system in the K-pop industry.

Fans' Voices: From Rivalry to Solidarity

Interestingly, support for NewJeans came from various fandoms that are usually fiercely competitive. Fans of ATEEZ and NCT, for example, posted messages of solidarity emphasizing the importance of fair treatment for young artists. Some BABYMONSTER and IVE fans even spread messages of support through fan art and tribute videos.

"This isn't about who has the biggest fandom, but about how we protect artists from a detrimental system," wrote one user, X, which went viral with 80,000 likes.

This cross-fandom movement is proof that when it comes to fairness and artist rights, the boundaries of K-pop rivalry can fade.

Wider Impact for the K-Pop Industry

Regardless of the outcome of the trial, the NewJeans vs. ADOR case will set a significant legal precedent in the Korean entertainment industry.

If the court rules in favor of the artists, it could lead to many other idols reviewing their contracts. For agencies, this decision could trigger major changes in how they manage their relationships with artists, particularly regarding contract length and financial transparency.

Many observers believe the outcome of this trial will determine the future direction of K-pop: whether it will lead to a fairer system for artists, or the continued dominance of large agencies.

As October 30 approaches, the public and fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this trial, which could be a "turning point in K-pop history."

Will NewJeans (NJZ) regain complete freedom from ADOR, or will they have to return to the label they accuse of stifling them?

One thing is certain, the #WeSupportNJZ movement has marked a new era: one where fans not only support their idols on stage, but also fight for their rights behind the scenes.

Tips for Fans and Readers

- For "Bunnies" (NewJeans' fandom), it's important to maintain a positive attitude and avoid spreading unconfirmed information.

- Follow official announcements from the group and the agency. Because the situation is so dynamic, rumors are rife.

- As an industry observer, take note: if this case ends in a victory for the artists, in the long run there may be changes to standard contracts, such as shorter durations, greater transparency, and easier exit rights for artists.

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Editor's Choice: NJZ Decides on Hiatus After Losing to ADOR in Court

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