Bunnies, make some noise! NewJeans is making their much-anticipated return to the stage, this time with a new name: NJZ. The group will make their surprise re-debut as headliners at ComplexCon Hong Kong 2025.
The five members — Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein — revealed their new name on their official social media account on February 7. Along with the announcement, the group also dropped solo pictures of each member, featuring a fresh look and concept.
“We are thrilled to be stepping onto the stage for the first time as NJZ and share something new with everyone,” said Minji in a press release. “It’s a big moment for us and we can’t wait for fans to be a part of this journey with us and show the world our new music that we have been eagerly waiting to share.”
NJZ to re-debut at ComplexCon Hong Kong 2025
NJZ will make their first performance under their new name as headliners for Complex Live! at ComplexCon Hong Kong 2025. They’ll be performing their brand-new songs on stage for the first time. Fans can look forward to hearing what the group has up their sleeve.
Those who want to see the group’s first performance live can choose from a range of ticket packages for ComplexCon. Single-day tickets to Complex Live! are available for HK$988/HK$1,388/HK$1,788 with included access to the Marketplace (although we still don’t know which day NJZ will perform). Those who want to experience the entire festival can also opt for the three-day VIP package for HK$4,988.
Tickets go on priority sale on February 10 at 4—11:59 p.m. and February 11 via Cityline for HSBC Credit Card and HSBC Mastercard Debit holders. General ticket sales kick off on February 12 at 4 p.m. via Cityline, Trip.com, Maoyan, and Ctrip.
“New hair, new tee”: NJZ dons a new concept
Aside from the name change, the group is taking on a new look as well. As NewJeans, they were recognised for their Y2K and youthful concept. In the new photoshoot, the members break away from their “girl next door” image with an edgy new look, donning red contacts and bold make-up. “It’s definitely going to be very different to what people are familiar with,” says Hanni in an interview with CNN. The group also stated that they will be experimenting with “different types of performances.”
Comeback amidst an ongoing legal battle
While fans are excited for the group, many are also concerned about the ongoing legal battle with their agency, ADOR. It came to a climax on November 29, 2024, when the members claimed their exclusive contract was terminated due to ADOR’s failure to achieve its obligations.
However, the agency claimed the contract was still valid and applied for an “injunction to preserve the agency’s status and prohibit the conclusion of advertising contracts, etc.” against the members. In response, the members announced they would appoint Sejong Legal Law Firm, the same legal representative as former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin.
The preliminary court hearing for the injunction will be held sometime in March, close to their first performance at ComplexCon. The lawsuit will be held in the 41st Civil Agreement Division of the Seoul Central District Court, with the first oral argument on April 3.
(Images: NJZ and Complex via Instagram)
This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.