"So brave this entire time"— Fans react as NewJeans members get emotional on CBS' 'Kim Hyun Jung's News Show' amidst ongoing ADOR contract dispute

On December 25, 2024, the K-pop girl group NewJeans appeared on CBS's Kim Hyun Jung’s News Show. The show captured fans' hearts with candid reflections on the group's ongoing contract dispute with their agency, ADOR. Notably, this marked the group’s first domestic broadcast since their announcement to terminate their exclusive contract in November.

During the show, the members, Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, opened up about their struggles over the past months. The group attributed their decision to unresolved trust issues with ADOR and HYBE. Hanni performed her self-composed song, Darling Darling, revealing that it was written during a particularly difficult time for NewJeans.

Overcome with emotion, Hanni revealed that her unreleased song was challenging, as it held deep meaning. She said she was still healing, but she ultimately decided to perform it despite her vulnerability. As translated by Koreaboo, she said,

"There were many reasons I chose to sing this song. First of all, this wasn’t a fully released song. When it was shared with Bunnies, I was in the process of writing it and…! Please excuse these tear. As I was saying, I was struggling through some difficult times. And because I play the guitar a lot, I naturally ended up writing a song about what I was experiencing."

The moment turned even more poignant when other NewJeans members, including Hyein and Danielle, were moved to tears. Fans of the group took to social media to praise the members’ bravery and authenticity during this tumultuous period. An X user, @Rescursave, wrote,

"They have been so brave this entire time. Not showing their emotions, eventually it just boils over. These precious girls. Stay strong, we are all with you, always. And feel free to express yourself, however you please."

Others also joined in to share similar sentiments.

"Hope all the pains and struggle they are having now end quickly i can't take it anymore please. They deserves just happiness," a fan commented.

"It breaks my heart seeing these girls go thru a hard time," another user wrote.

"It really hurts to see them cry GOD please take all of their pain away," a netizen remarked.

"She must've cried until there were no tears left when she recorded the video. I really hope Minji's wish of not having any pain in 2025 comes true so we'll never see them hurt again," a fan wrote.

Many also offered words of encouragement, wishing NewJeans a brighter year ahead.

"stay strong girls...... 2025 is just a week away. Our happiness will come in 2025, i know it will!," a fan added.

"My precious girls~ the next years will only be brighter and happier for you and bunnies," a netizen wrote.

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More from NewJeans' appearance on Kim Hyun Jung’s News Show and their ongoing conflict with ADOR

The program also featured Danielle’s live rendition of First December with You, a winter-themed song written by her sister. Despite the tears, the members shared joyful Christmas memories and interacted warmly with fans, showcasing their resilience and hope for the future.

Meanwhile, ADOR claimed that the agency did not approve NewJeans' participation in the show. The company claimed that the members independently decided to appear on the program without prior consultation. As per South Korean media outlet News1, the label stated,

"The members made the decision independently and ADOR was not aware of this in advance. It was decided and carried out independently by the artist without discussion with the company and the company did not know about the appearance in advance."

This independence aligns with NewJeans’ recent steps to operate outside agency oversight, including launching new social media accounts and pursuing solo projects. Meanwhile, ADOR has emphasized the legal complications of these actions, reiterating its stance that the group’s contract remains valid.