NewJeans to Reveal Group Name Amidst Hybe and Ador Dispute

New Brand Identity for New Jaian

In New Jaian, they introduced their new group name amidst ongoing conflicts with the K-Pop Hybe agency and its subsidiary Ador, revealing that their new name resonates at a lower level.

• Read more: Newjeans vs Hybe: A comprehensive schedule of events

Upcoming Performance in Hong Kong

News about a new persona in New Jus emerged when they were announced as the headliner for the Hong Kong complex in March. This will mark their first performance under the new name, NJZ.

Speaking with CNN, Hanni from the group shared that the rebranding aims to transform “this difficult period of time into something more exciting,” emphasizing that the K-Pop group “is working hard to resolve everything to return to normal life.”

Hannie also noted that NJZ is determined to move forward and hopes their current disputes with Ador and Abhe won’t become the “center” of their career.

In a press release regarding their performance at Complexcon in Hong Kong, member Minja stated: “We are very glad to be on stage as NJZ for the first time and to share something new with everyone. This is a big moment for us, and we cannot wait for fans to join us on this journey and experience our new music, which we are excited about.”

CNN has since confirmed that NJZ will debut a new song during their headliner slot.

Regarding the future of NJZ, Hannie mentioned to CNN, “This will definitely be very different from what people are familiar with… and the image with which we debuted,” adding that they hope to “experiment with various types of performances.”

Hannie added, “Even though we need to slightly leave our previous name, we do not want to entirely let go. Being in New Jaeans was a very special period for us, and it holds great value for our fans as well.”

Daniel also mentioned that they have “completely lost all trust” in Ador and Hybe but believes they will “win this battle.” Hannie stated that NJZ believes “nothing restrains us anymore.”

The official name change happened just weeks after the group, previously known as New Jaeans, announced they were “not going to return” as they faced a legal battle with the agency while preparing for their new identity.

In December 2024, Ador filed a lawsuit to validate contracts in New Dyan after the group announced their termination of contracts with the label. In January, Hybe’s subsidiary also filed a lawsuit against New Jehads, preventing them from entering brand partnerships as independent artists.

• Read more: New Dais: “We want to show the industry that music should not be divided into language”

The latest legal actions have been part of the escalating feud between Hybe, Ador, and New Jeanians, which began in April last year. Reports indicated that Hybe’s audit team initiated an investigation into Ador’s CEO Min Hee-Jin and another unnamed executive. Hybe later confirmed the audit, suspecting that Ador’s leaders were attempting to seize control of the K-Pop agency.

Min Hee-Jin publicly accused Hybe of “undermining” the success of New Jus, alleging that Hybe had replicated “makeup, costumes, choreography, photos, videos, and performances from New York” for their recent female group, Illytes, who debuted under a different subsidiary in late March.

In the following months, ongoing legal disputes ensued between Ador and Hybe, culminating in the alleged “involuntary” retirement of Min Hi-Jin as CEO of Ador. Subsequently, in New Jaian, the group expressed their discontent with the public feud and sided with Ming, ceasing their contracts with Hybe and Ador in November. For an in-depth analysis of the escalating disputes, see NME.