Photo Cr. Complex // Instagram
On February 7, girl group NewJeans announced their rebranded new name to be NJZ via CNN and Complex. The group, consisting of five members all under 21 years old (Hanni, Haerin, Minji, Hyein, and Danielle), made this announcement ahead of their planned performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong in March, where they will also debut a new song.
The name change comes after a significant conflict with their record label Ador (a subsidiary of Hybe). In November, the group terminated their contract with Ador, citing allegations of manipulation, mistreatment, and workplace harassment. Ador disputes these claims and has filed a lawsuit against the group, including seeking an injunction to prevent them from signing advertising deals. A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for March, with the main lawsuit to be heard in April.
NewJeans has been one of South Korea's most successful pop acts since their 2022 debut with "Attention." They achieved international success with their EP "Get Up" reaching #1 on the US Billboard 200. The group has also established strong fashion credentials, with members serving as ambassadors for luxury brands.
According to member Hanni, the rebrand represents an opportunity to turn a difficult period into something positive. The group plans to evolve their image from their previous "girl next door" aesthetic to something "sharper" and "bolder," with an emphasis on streetwear and non-gendered clothing.
Despite the name change, they express that they want to maintain a connection to their original identity, which held special meaning for both the group and their fans.
Follow NJZ https://www.instagram.com/njz_official