One of South Korea’s biggest K-pop groups, NewJeans, has officially changed its name to NJZ. The decision comes amid an ongoing legal dispute with its record label, Ador, a subsidiary of Hybe.
Speaking to CNN, band member Hanni explained that the name change was a way to turn a difficult situation into something exciting. The group will debut its new identity at ComplexCon Hong Kong in March, where they will also perform a new song.
NewJeans, which debuted in 2022, quickly became a global sensation with hits like Attention and Super Shy. Their EP “Get Up” even reached No. 1 on the US Billboard 200. However, recent months have been turbulent for the group.
A Legal Dispute with Ador
In November 2024, the group held a press conference announcing they were terminating their contract with Ador. They accused the label of manipulation, mistreatment, and workplace harassment.
Ador has denied the allegations and insists that NJZ is still under contract. The company has filed a lawsuit and requested a court injunction to prevent the group from signing endorsement deals.
Despite the legal fight, NJZ is determined to move forward. Band member Danielle Marsh told CNN that they have “completely lost trust” in Ador but believe they will win the battle. A preliminary court hearing is set for March, with the full lawsuit scheduled for April.
A New Name, A New Era
The group’s new name, NJZ, was inspired by fan suggestions. According to Hanni, it keeps the essence of their original name while marking a fresh start. Even though they are leaving “NewJeans” behind, they still cherish that period of their careers.
The rebranding also signals a shift in music and fashion. NJZ plans to experiment with bolder performances and a sharper image. Hanni said the group is moving away from their “girl-next-door” look and embracing streetwear and gender-neutral fashion.
Despite the challenges, NJZ is focused on their music and fans. As Hanni put it, “There’s nothing holding us back anymore.”