After renaming the group as ‘NJZ’, NewJeans drew keen attention by announcing their upcoming activities
From ‘NewJeans’ to ‘NJZ’… Netizens showed mixed reactions
On February 7th, 2025, NewJeans members released a group photo on their official account with an announcement, saying “The new name for the group of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein is ‘NJZ’. Look forward to a more amazing journey with NJZ in 2025”. In addition, the group also aroused keen attention by informing fans that they will release a new song and resume activities in earnest on March 23rd.
However, netizens’ reactions to the new name ‘NJZ’ were divided. Some said, “It’s a little disappointing that they just use the initials”, “The old name ‘NewJeans’ was much better”, “Will there be any legal issues with the new name?”, etc. Meanwhile, others argued, “The pronunciation of NJZ is new and creative”, “Even if their group name changes, the group’s identity remains the same”, “I’m rooting for their new start”, etc. Attention is on NJZ’s activities as they are about to start anew.
NewJeans and ADOR’s dispute over exclusive contract termination continues
On December 6th, 2024, NewJeans sent a notification regarding their contract termination to ADOR, a label owned by HYBE. The members stated, “Our contract with ADOR has been terminated as of November 29th, 2024, and we are no longer under the agency’s management”. The group also pointed out ADOR’s failure in fulfilling their duty of protecting the artists, adding that their contract termination had been justified as the members already generated revenue exceeding ADOR’s investment.
In response, ADOR confirmed that NewJeans’s exclusive contract remained valid and announced legal actions. Regarding NewJeans changing their group name, ADOR said, “It is unfortunate that they unilaterally made the decision before a legal ruling is finalized”.
ADOR has filed a lawsuit to the Seoul Central District Court to confirm the validity of their exclusive contract with NewJeans members, and a court interrogation regarding ADOR’s provisional injunction to maintain its management rights and prevent NewJeans from signing advertising contracts independently will take place on March 7th.
Reasons behind the change of activity name and expectations for NewJeans’s future
NewJeans’ decision to announce a new name, NJZ, appears to be a move to avoid legal disputes with ADOR. While the court has yet to determine whether their exclusive contract has been terminated, using the old group name “NewJeans” could make their conflicts with ADOR intensify, resulting in their change of the group name for future activities.
It is analyzed that the name NJZ was selected because it still reminds people of NewJeans while minimizing the risk of legal issues. An insider commented, “When disputes arise with agencies, it is normally difficult for idol groups to keep their group name. NJZ seems to be a compromise that allows the members to maintain their identity while making a new start.”
Will Hanni face a visa issue after contract termination?
Since NewJeans member Hanni (born in 2004, age 21) holds Vietnamese nationality, concerns have been raised that a contract termination with ADOR could make it difficult for her to stay in Korea.
Some netizens raised speculations, such as “Doesn’t that mean Hanni could become an illegal resident?”. However, ADOR clarified, “Since our exclusive contract is still legally valid, we are proceeding with the extension of her visa.”
Currently, Hanni is staying in Korea on an E-6 visa, which has a regulation that she must report a change in her workplace within 30 days. Therefore, she is not required to leave the country immediately. However, if the legal dispute is prolonged, Hanni’s overseas activities may be restricted due to visa issues.
Upon hearing this news, netizens reacted with mixed opinions, such as “I don’t care what the name is, I just hope they keep promoting together”, “HYBE’s trolls are coming again,” “NewJeans NJZ, fighting!”, “I hope they will fly higher and become much more successful”, “Look at how they are repeating the hate comments”, etc.