K-pop girl group NewJeans has officially changed its name to NJZ, marking a fresh start amid an ongoing legal battle with their agency, ADOR.

In an exclusive interview with CNN on February 7 (local time), the members confirmed the rebranding and announced that they will perform under the new name for the first time at ComplexCon Hong Kong in March.

Legal Dispute with ADOR Behind the Name Change

The decision to rebrand comes in the midst of a legal dispute with ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE. In November 2024, NewJeans members publicly announced their intention to terminate their contract, accusing ADOR of manipulation, deliberate miscommunication, and workplace harassment.

ADOR, however, has denied the allegations, maintaining that the group remains under contract and warning that independent activities could constitute a breach of their exclusive agreement. The agency has filed for a court injunction to prevent NJZ from engaging in solo activities, while a full lawsuit is set to proceed in April.

 

Fan Participation in the Name Change

NJZ’s new name was chosen with direct input from fans. The group recently launched a new Instagram account, ‘jeanzforfree’, where they invited fans to submit name suggestions. Ultimately, NJZ was selected.

Danielle Marsh expressed the group’s determination, stating, “We will win this fight against HYBE and ADOR.” Meanwhile, Pham Ngoc Han (Hanni) clarified that while they are moving forward, the new name “retains the essence” of NewJeans.

A New Musical and Fashion Direction

Beyond the name change, NJZ is also set to explore a new musical style and image.

Haerin hinted at a fresh sound, saying, “It will be completely different from what we’ve done before.” Hanni added, “There’s nothing holding us back anymore.”

In terms of fashion, NJZ plans to move away from the “girl next door” concept that characterized their debut. Instead, they will embrace a bolder, more experimental style, with gender-fluid and streetwear influences playing a significant role.

What’s Next for NJZ?

NJZ is set to debut their new name and music at ComplexCon Hong Kong in March, but the ongoing legal battle with ADOR could impact their independent activities. The final outcome will likely depend on the court’s decision in the coming months.

As NJZ pushes forward, the K-pop industry is watching closely to see whether they can overcome legal obstacles and make history as an independent act.

photo = Yonhap News