NewJeans change their name to NJZ amid ongoing label dispute

NewJeans have announced they are changing their name to NJZ following their departure from their former label ADOR.

The K-pop group's decision comes after they split from ADOR, a subsidiary of South Korean label HYBE, late last year amid allegations of misconduct and mistreatment. The five-piece acknowledged at the time that they would likely need to relinquish the NewJeans name.

Speaking about the change, Hanni said NJZ are focused on "turning this rough period of time into something more exciting." The group are set to make their first appearance under the new name at ComplexCon Hong Kong.

The situation remains complex, with ADOR filing a lawsuit claiming the group remain under "exclusive contract" and seeking an injunction to prevent NJZ from signing advertising deals.

"We're working a lot to resolve everything so that we can... go back to normal," Hanni explained, adding that NJZ don't want the legal battle "to be the focus of our careers."

ADOR responded to the name change in a statement, saying: "While the legal proceedings concerning the exclusive contract between ADOR and the NewJeans members are ongoing, we deeply regret that the members have unilaterally made this choice." The label added they "remain committed to protecting the value of the NewJeans brand" and would be "willing to meet with NewJeans members or their legal representatives at any time to clarify any misunderstandings and collaboratively plan for the group's future activities."

The dispute stems from a corporate conflict between HYBE and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, who was central to the group's development. After Hee-jin's dismissal, NJZ demanded her reinstatement before announcing their departure from ADOR in November.

Danielle from the group stated they are confident they "will win this battle against HYBE and ADOR."