K-pop band NJZ / Courtesy of ComplexCon
By Baek Byung-yeul
K-pop girl group NewJeans, unable to use the name after declaring the termination of its contract with agency Ador, revealed the new team name NJZ on Friday. The group also said that it would perform in front of fans through a Hong Kong concert in March.
“Get ready for an exciting journey with NJZ in 2025! Stay tuned! Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein’s new group name is NJZ. Please look forward to an amazing journey with NJZ in 2025!” the members said via social media, Friday.
The five-piece group also released images of them participating in the global street fashion and culture festival ComplexCon.
CompexCon, which will be held at the AsiaWorld-Expo convention center in Hong Kong from March 21 to 23, will be their first activity as NJZ.
“I’m very excited to be on stage for the first time as NJZ and show you a new side of us,” Minji said in a statement released by the organizer of ComplexCon. “This performance is a very important moment, and I can’t wait to share the new music that I’ve wanted to show you with fans around the world.”
In addition to NJZ, Korean artists such as Zico, B.I, Sik-K and Changmo will also participate in the concert. Artists from China, Japan and Hong Kong will also take part.
Bonnie Chan Woo, CEO of Complex China, said that it was an honor to be with NJZ for their first performance under the new team name.
“I am very happy to have NJZ join us at ComplexCon Hong Kong this year. Since their debut, NJZ has captivated the eyes and ears of fans with their unique Y2K sound and nostalgic retro style,” the CEO said.
“NJZ has redefined the meaning of a global girl group and has been showing a fresh and unique energy. This stage will play an important role in opening a new chapter as artists, and we are honored to be with NJZ for their symbolic debut stage as NJZ.”
The K-pop band demanded the termination of their exclusive contract with their agency Ador in November, claiming that HYBE, the parent company of Ador, which had a duty to protect its artists, had neither the will nor the ability to protect them.
The members are in the process of terminating their contract with Ador and HYBE through legal procedures, and the first trial of the contract lawsuit filed by Ador against them will be held in April.