On June 4, the members of NewJeans reached out via their independently-run social media account, posting a simple yet poignant note:
“I read your letters yesterday, and they made me feel so good. I started to miss you. So I just came.”
The message was accompanied by a playful image where members form a cat-shaped shadow with their hands, symbolizing both warmth and affection, elements that have defined their bond with fans since debut.
The timing of the post immediately caught public attention. It was shared less than 24 hours before the group faces their second court hearing at the Seoul Central District Court regarding their contract dispute with former agency ADOR.
On June 5, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Agreement Division 41 will hold the second hearing for the case ADOR filed against NewJeans, seeking legal confirmation of the group’s exclusive contract status.
Back in November, NewJeans held an emergency press conference claiming that ADOR had breached their contract, prompting the group to declare it nullified. They later announced a new group name, NJZ, and began promoting independently.
In response, ADOR argued that simply claiming a breach of trust does not constitute valid grounds for contract termination and proceeded to file a lawsuit affirming the contract’s validity. During the first hearing, both sides remained firmly at odds, with NewJeans maintaining that they could no longer return to ADOR.
As the second hearing approaches on June 5, the group’s recent message is being widely interpreted as a gesture of comfort, an effort to reassure and thank their fans during what is undoubtedly a stressful and uncertain chapter in their careers.