On December 25, the 2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon was broadcast live from the Inspire Arena in Yeongjong Island, Incheon. The event was hosted by NCT’s Doyoung, IVE’s An Yujin, and TXT’s Yeonjun.
This marked NewJeans’ first home stage appearance since the emergency press conference on November 28, where they announced their request to terminate their exclusive contracts. At the conference they assured fans that all scheduled commitments would be met without interruption. Since then, the members have pursued their own agendas while also engaging in independent activities under their individual names.
However, Gayo Daejeon was a year-end event organized by ADOR, and the group’s name was prominently displayed in the captions and announced by the MCs as “NewJeans”.
The group opened the performance with “Ditto,” wearing adorable bunny hats that evoked a cozy winter atmosphere. They continued with “Cookie,” earning applause from the audience.
Changing the mood, they showcased their signature energetic choreography with “Hype Boy,” radiating a trendy yet lively energy. Their synchronized leaps and infectious enthusiasm brought the show to a lively conclusion.
Meanwhile, NewJeans remains embroiled in a contract dispute with ADOR. The agency filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the contracts, while the group maintains its position on termination.
On December 14, the members launched a new social media account under the name “jeanzforfree” to communicate with fans. They have also made headlines for their philanthropic activities, such as prepaying at restaurants near a pro-impeachment rally for President Yoon Suk-yeol and donating ₩100 million under their individual names to support children and youth in family care.
The group recently appeared in a Vogue Korea image, which only showed their individual names – Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein – omitting the team name. Additionally, they guest starred on CBS Standard FM’s “Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show” under their personal names, in a program uncoordinated with ADOR.
Despite the controversy, NewJeans continues to participate in events organized by ADOR, including performances at the Asia Artist Awards (AAA) on December 27 and the 2024 MBC Gayo Daejejeon on December 31.
In addition to NewJeans, this year’s Gayo Daejeon lineup included 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, NCT WISH, ILLIT, BABYMONSTER, NEXZ and IZNA.
