NewJeans (aka NJZ) have spoken out for the first time since they announced their hiatus, telling fans “we are going through a tough time”.
On April 10, the quintet took to their independent Instagram page, which has since been changed to @mhdhh_friends since their hiatus, with a letter their followers. It marked the first time the band have posted on social media since they first announced their hiatus during their ComplexCon set on March 23.
“We are going through a tough time,” the members wrote, as translated by KoreaJoongAng Daily. “But the music that we will make will be loved by Bunnies [NewJeans’ fanbase], music that will make Bunnies happy, and our time together will come. Until then, we’re taking care of ourselves and thinking of you. We hope Bunnies stay healthy and happy every day. We love you.”
NewJeans also said that they’d received letters from fans that have “moved us to tears”. “Each letter is precious, and we read them daily. Your words of comfort, encouragement and love have deeply touched us,” they wrote. “At times, we wonder if we deserve such love – that’s why we strive to be individuals that Bunnies can be proud of.”
The Instagram Story comes a little over a week after the first hearing for their contract lawsuit with former label ADOR was held. The lawsuit was filed by ADOR in 2024 after the girl group held an emergency press conference announcing their termination of their contracts with ADOR.
When the court asked if there was a possibility for a settlement or mediation, both sides were divided. While ADOR told the court it had hope for an agreement, NewJeans’ lawyers said they were “not in a situation where an agreement can be considered at this time”.
Two days prior to their hiatus announcement, ADOR was granted an injunction which prohibits NewJeans from pursuing activities independent of the K-pop agency. The quintet described the ruling as a “shock” in an interview with BBC, with leader Minji saying she was “stunned” upon receiving the news.