NewJeans Rebrand as NJZ Following Split from Label ADOR

K-pop group NewJeans has officially rebranded as NJZ after a contentious split from their former label, ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE. The group’s first performance under their new name will take place next month at ComplexCon Hong Kong, marking a fresh start amid ongoing legal disputes with their former agency.

The five-member girl group, consisting of Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, Hyein, and Minji, left ADOR in late 2023, citing allegations of misconduct, mistreatment, and workplace harassment. ADOR has denied these claims and filed a lawsuit asserting that the group remains under an exclusive contract.

In a statement, member Hanni (Pham Ngoc Han) expressed hope that the rebrand would help the group move forward. “We’re working a lot to resolve everything so that we can… go back to normal,” she said, emphasizing that NJZ doesn’t want the legal battle to overshadow their careers.

ADOR responded to the name change, stating that it “deeply regrets” the group’s unilateral decision while the legal proceedings are ongoing. The label reiterated its commitment to protecting the NewJeans brand and expressed willingness to meet with the members or their representatives to resolve the conflict.

The dispute between NJZ and ADOR is rooted in a broader corporate feud between HYBE and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, who was instrumental in the group’s development. HYBE accused Hee-jin of attempting to take ADOR independent, leading to her dismissal. NJZ publicly supported Hee-jin, demanding her reinstatement and ultimately deciding to leave ADOR.

A preliminary court hearing in the case is scheduled for March, with the trial set to begin in April. NJZ member Danielle (Danielle Marsh) expressed confidence in the group’s legal battle, stating, “We will win this battle against HYBE and ADOR.”

The rebrand to NJZ represents a pivotal moment for the group as they navigate the challenges of their split from ADOR and seek to redefine their identity in the K-pop industry.