NewJeans Fandom Alliance Files Petition in Court Over Members’ Binding Contracts with Agency

On March 13, the fan alliance known as “Bunnies, ” representing NewJeans, made headlines by submitting a petition to the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Agreement Division 50. This petition, which amassed around 30, 000 signatures from both domestic and international fans, was compiled after a campaign that began on February 24.

The contents of the petition articulated serious allegations against HYBE and its chairman, Bang Si-hyuk, claiming that they had created a discriminatory atmosphere for the NewJeans members, effectively compelling them to perform in a toxic environment. The Bunnies voiced their concerns by stating, “With little hope for improvement in the current circumstances, it is excessively harsh to bind the NJZ (NewJeans) members to the agency.” The fandom explicitly indicated its desire for the members to pursue independent projects.

Supporters of NewJeans articulated their distress, emphasizing, “If the members are forced to remain in an environment where trust has been shattered, it will cause significant hardship for them and tarnish the experience for fans. We risk losing the joy we derive from NewJeans’ music and activities.” The petition further requested the court to reject an injunction filed by ADOR.

Previously, ADOR had taken legal action seeking an injunction to maintain its status while prohibiting the signing of advertising agreements, citing the NewJeans members’ formal notification of contract termination and their commencement of independent activities.

The court is expected to wrap up its review of the situation following the submission of additional documentation by March 14.

In a related note, there have been allegations that some fans promoted petition submissions by organizing giveaway events. Nonetheless, the Bunnies clarified through their official communication channels that “these events are not affiliated with the fan alliance.”

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