NewJeans members (from left) Haerin, Hyein, Danielle, Minji and Hanni. Images: Instagram/@jeanzforfree, X/@NewJeans_ADOR
NewJeans’ Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein launched an Instagram page separate from the social media platforms created by All Doors One Room (ADOR), amid their ongoing dispute with the South Korean music label.
The Instagram page, called “jeanzforfree,” was opened on Saturday, Dec. 14, and has since gathered more than 1.9 million followers as of writing.
Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein also greeted their fans in a video on their Instagram Story, where they expressed how much they missed their fans.
“We’re going to be living [on this page]. Tune in anytime, guys,” they said. “All five of us missed you so much. There are a lot of people worried about us but we are strong. We will see you guys next time.”
NEWJEANS TO JEANZ? 👖
LOOK: Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein sparked intrigue among fans after opening up their new Instagram page, “jeanzforfree,” weeks after announcing their departure from ADOR.
It remains unknown if the K-pop idols will rebrand as Jeanz, as of… pic.twitter.com/bYxBxOt3fd
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 14, 2024
In what seemed to be the group’s stance regarding the impeachment of South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol, they announced on their first post that they prepared gimbap (seaweed rice rolls), samgyetang (chicken ginseng soup), dumpling soup, coffee and other drinks for protestors.
“Here’s a little treat for our Bunnies and K-pop fans. Regardless of the artist, as long as you have a lightstick, you can get it under the name of Berries,” they added.
Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein also uploaded photos of themselves in their respective solo poses while sharing glimpses of their behind-the-scenes moments as a group.
However, the comments section of their posts are turned off.
Despite the new Instagram page’s launch, ADOR’s social media platforms continue to upload official photos of NewJeans up to this day.
The five K-pop idols announced their departure from the HYBE sub-label in a surprise press conference last Nov. 29 while reiterating they “never breached our exclusive contract and have always given [their] best efforts.” They would nonetheless continue to fulfill their commitments as scheduled by the agency.
“Staying here feels like a waste of time and a source of continued mental anguish. Most importantly, there is nothing for us to gain professionally, which is why all five of us have no reason to remain,” Hanni said.
The music label, however, has affirmed its stance, saying the contracts of the NewJeans members remain valid. It filed a lawsuit against the singers with the Seoul Central District Court earlier this month.