NewJeans Scheduled to Perform at “Gayo Daejeon” Despite ADOR Contract Dispute

The much-anticipated 2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon unfolded on December 25 at the Inspire Arena in Yeongjong Island, Incheon. The event featured the talented hosting trio of NCT’s Doyoung, IVE’s An Yujin, and TXT’s Yeonjun, who welcomed a star-studded lineup.

NewJeans and SBS Gayo Daejeon — NewJeans on the red carpet, humorously unable to articulate their own name.

For NewJeans, this event marked their first domestic live performance following a high-profile press conference on November 28, where they announced their intention to terminate their exclusive contracts with ADOR. Despite these developments, the group assured fans that all planned commitments would continue as scheduled, allowing them to juggle activities both as a group and individually.

During the Gayo Daejeon, NewJeans’ name was prominently featured in various segments, reaffirming their presence. The group’s opening performance of “Ditto” was highlighted by charming bunny hats, setting a warm, festive tone, followed by their upbeat track “Cookie,” which received enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

Ditto 250 remix #뉴진스 #NewJeans pic.twitter.com/cGselaSDwt

— NewJeans Loops 🐇 (@newjeans_loop) December 25, 2024

As the performance progressed, NewJeans captivated the audience with the infectious energy of “Hype Boy,” showcasing their hallmark choreography, vibrant jumps, and enthusiasm, which culminated in an electrifying finale.

Off-stage, the group remains entwined in a legal dispute with ADOR, which has sought to affirm the validity of their contracts, while NewJeans continue to assert their intent to terminate their agreements.

On December 14, the members launched a separate social media account named “jeanzforfree,” providing a direct line of communication with their fans. Their philanthropic engagements have also garnered attention; notably, they prepaid for meals at restaurants near a pro-impeachment rally for President Yoon Suk-yeol and collectively donated ₩100 million to assist underprivileged youth and children.

Recently, NewJeans appeared in a Vogue Korea photoshoot that exclusively referenced their individual names—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—without mentioning their group name. They also made a guest appearance on CBS Standard FM’s “Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show,” participating without coordination from ADOR.

Despite the ongoing contractual tensions, NewJeans are set to partake in ADOR-organized events, including performances at the Asia Artist Awards (AAA) on December 27 and the 2024 MBC Gayo Daejejeon on December 31.

This year’s Gayo Daejeon lineup also featured an array of artists including G-Dragon, Key, 2NE1, NCT 127, NCT Dream, Stray Kids, (G)I-DLE, ATEEZ, WayV, ITZY, TXT, Lee Youngji, CRAVITY, TREASURE, aespa, ENHYPEN, IVE, NMIXX, LE SSERAFIM, BOYNEXTDOOR, ZEROBASEONE, RIIZE, TWS, and ILLIT, among others.

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