The popular K-pop girl group NewJeans has officially changed its name to NJZ.
#NJZ, formerly known as New Jeans, will headline ComplexCon Hong Kong 2025 in March with #Quavo, #MetroBoomin & #Zico!👏🎤🏟️🇨🇳👑👑👑👑👑❤️🔥
— World Music Awards (@WORLDMUSICAWARD) February 7, 2025
🔗https://t.co/kH2aAdPvMR? pic.twitter.com/LeZePRBU5T
The members, Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, made the announcement on February 7 amid an ongoing legal dispute with their former label, ADOR, and its parent company, HYBE. NJZ unveiled their new name through a high-fashion photoshoot in collaboration with a leading magazine.
Bye, NewJeans. Hello, NJZ?!
— Jeff Benjamin (@Jeff__Benjamin) February 7, 2025
The K-pop chart-toppers announce "new group name," upcoming music, a headlining slot at Hong Kong's @ComplexCon 2025 and share more on their legal battle with @CNN
Report on @Forbes: https://t.co/5aK5aUdKM5
The bold rebranding marks a significant step for the group as they aim to redefine their image and artistic direction. The quintet is set to make their debut performance as NJZ at the 2025 ComplexCon Hong Kong festival, headlining the final day of the event at AsiaWorld-Expo. “We are thrilled to be stepping onto the stage for the first time as NJZ and share something new with everyone,” Minji said in a press release.
Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein announce their new group name: NJZ. pic.twitter.com/78vL9Y4Iwa
— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 7, 2025
The name change comes amid a legal battle with ADOR, with the members citing mistreatment and mismanagement as reasons for the transition.
Njz unveils name through photoshoot
“There’s been a lot of conflict going on in our previous company,” Hanni explained.
ADOR comments on NJZ announcing their rebrand:
— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) February 7, 2025
— “We find it very unfortunate that the members made this decision unilaterally before the legal judgment of the validity of the exclusive contract was made.
We welcome NewJeans or their legal representatives at any time to resolve… pic.twitter.com/spjyUbV9T5
“While we were under our company, there was a lot of mistreatment, a lot of mismanagement, we lost a lot of trust.”
Minji described the transition as “nervous but amazing,” while Haerin emphasized their excitement about new music. The group noted that while fans might see elements of the original NewJeans, their re-debut as NJZ would be bolder and more challenging, both in music and fashion. In response to the name change, ADOR released a statement expressing regret over the unilateral decision made by the group.
ADOR emphasized their commitment to protecting the NewJeans brand and their willingness to engage in discussions with the group or their legal representatives to resolve the issues. NJZ remains confident in their legal stance, with Danielle stating, “We believe we will win this battle against HYBE and ADOR.” Court proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming months as both sides prepare to present their cases. Fans and observers alike will be watching closely as NJZ moves forward into its new era, with the group promising new songs and a fresh chapter in their artistic evolution.
