SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – SEPTEMBER 05: (L-R) Hyein, Haerin, Hanni, Danielle and Minji of girl group … [+] NewJeans pose at the UL:KIN show at Seoul Fashion Week SS 24 at DDP on September 05, 2023 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images)
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Amid NewJeans’ legal battle with HYBE and its label ADOR, members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein are looking boldly ahead to the future with new music, live dates, and even a new group name.
Unveiled the morning of February 7 local time in Seoul, the chart-toppping girl group unveiled a new photoshoot in collaboration with Complex magazine where the stars revealed a bold new look and what they’re calling a “new group name” with NJZ.
The photoshoot took place before the announcement that NJZ will headline the final day of the 2025 ComplexCon Hong Kong festival on March 21-23 at the AsiaWorld Expo. Metro Boomin, Quavo, B.I, Changmo, and Sik-K are all on the lineup, as is NJZ’s former HYBE label mate ZICO, headlining the Saturday, March 22 concert.
“We are thrilled to be stepping onto the stage for the first time as NJZ and share something new with everyone,” Minji said in a press release statement that teased new songs were on the way. “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.”
Bonnie Chan Woo, Owner and CEO of Complex China, also acknowledged the new name and stressed the excitement of staging the beginning of the group’s next era.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome NJZ to the ComplexCon Hong Kong stage this year,” Bonnie Chan Woo said in a statement. “From their early days, NJZ has captivated audiences with their distinct Y2K sound and nostalgic style that set them apart as trailblazers in the K-pop landscape. Their approach has redefined what it means to be an international girl group, bringing a fresh, unique energy to the scene. This stage marks a pivotal new chapter in their artistic evolution, and hosting their iconic debut as NJZ is a true honor for us.”
Most of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein’s K-pop careers have been unconventional but artistic, and even the unveiling of the name NJZ was unique with the transformative logo backing the girls in this high-concept, high-impact photoshoot alongside an edgy but respected brand that aligns with their position in pop culture.
See the full set of photos and logos on the new @njz_official Instagram account.
ForbesNewJeans’ Explosive Reply To ADOR Lawsuit Tackles Debt Repayment, Smear Tactics & Group Unity: Read HereBy Jeff BenjaminNJZ didn’t stop at the Complex announcement but also connected with CNN to greet fans for the first time at NJZ and explain more about the situation.
“There’s been a lot of conflict going on in our previous company,” Hanni said when asked why the group was seeking to change their name. “While we were under our company, there was a lot of mistreatment, a lot of mismanagement, we lost a lot of trust.”
Eldest member Minji shared that she feels “nervous but amazing” about this period, while Haerin emphasized that the group is looking forward and “excited about our new song.” Hanni added that fans may find something new from the NewJeans we once knew.
“People are probably used to seeing us in a very natural state,” the Melbourne native explained. “We first debuted [with] long hair, very close to minimal makeup and very casual in the way we dress. I think this re-debut will be bit more bold, a bit more sharp; we’re going to challenge a lot of different things…and fashion wise: We love wearing streetwear and non-gendered kind of clothing. I think that concept and aspect is going to play a really strong role in our [new] fashion as well.” Youngest member Hyein pointed out that the group’s “new style” will embody the maturity and growth they’ve experienced.
CNN noted in its interview that ADOR did not return its request for comment on NJZ’s current situation.
NJZ remains in dispute with ADOR following a November press conference where they announced contract terminations with the agency. The quintet says their alleged mistreatment at the company had breached ADOR’s contractual terms. The label followed up with a lawsuit at the Seoul Central District Court seeking legal confirmation that the exclusive contracts remained valid and the group members could not sign financial deals independently. NewJeans has since hired its own legal representation with court dates expected to begin in the coming months.
Danielle even spoke about NJZ’s ongoing dispute, telling CNN, “We believe we will win this battle against HYBE and ADOR.”
