NewJeans Announces New Identity as NJZ... Debuting in Hong Kong in March amid Dispute with HYBE

NewJeans has declared a new identity amid a prolonged legal dispute with HYBE and ADOR. The five members — Minzy, Hani, Danielle, Hyein, and Haerin — officially announced on February 7 in Seoul through a collaborative photoshoot with Complex Magazine that the group’s name would be changed to NJZ. On March 23, the final day of ComplexCon Hong Kong, held at the Asia World Expo in Hong Kong from March 21 to 23, NJZ will make its debut under the new name. Artists such as Metro Boomin, Qobo, B.I, Changmo, and Sik-K are scheduled to perform, with Zico, a former HYBE artist and now part of NewJeans, headlining the event on Saturday, March 22. Minzy stated in a statement, “I’m happy to step onto the stage as NJZ for the first time, and I look forward to sharing new music with everyone.” Bonnie Chan Woo, chairman and CEO of Complex China, said, “From the very beginning, NJZ has established itself as a trendsetter in K-POP with its unique Y2K sound and nostalgic style. It is a great honor to host their new artistic chapter.” The decision to change the group name came as the dispute with HYBE and ADOR intensified. Hani said in an interview, “There were many conflicts with the company,” explaining that there was miscommunication, poor management, and a loss of trust. Minzy described the current situation as “tense but amazing,” while Hyein added, “I’m excited about the new music.” Hani also hinted that “people might have seen us in a very natural state before,” but “they will find something completely different.” Danielle said in an interview with CNBC, “We have lost all trust in ADOR and HYBE,” emphasizing, “I believe we will win this fight.” Hani declared, “Nothing can stop us.” NewJeans announced the end of its contract with ADOR on November 28. ADOR subsequently filed a lawsuit to confirm the contract’s validity in December and requested an interim order banning independent advertising deals in January. In a statement, ADOR claimed the contract remained valid until 2029 and expressed concern that the members’ unauthorized announcement of a new group name and their entertainment activities before a legal decision could constitute a breach of the exclusive contract. NewJeans reached the top of South Korean charts with the song “Attention” in 2022 and secured first place on the U.S. Billboard 200 with the crossover hit “Super Shy” from its 2023 EP “Get Up.” A hearing on the interim order is scheduled for March, followed by the main lawsuit in April. The group is currently releasing new content through its Instagram account @njz_official.