Photo by Han Myung-Gu/WireImage
The K-pop group once known as NewJeans have announced a change of name. The group told CNN in a new interview that they will now be known as NJZ. The news arrived alongside details of an upcoming live show at ComplexCon Hong Kong next month.
“We are thrilled to be stepping onto the stage for the first time as NJZ and share something new with everyone,” the group's Minji said. “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.”
News of the name change follows a year of legal wranglings between the group and their former label Ador. They split from Ador, a subsidiary of Hybe, the K-pop management group behind BTS, in the fall. At the time the members of NJZ accused the label of mistreatment and harassment, allegations they label has denied. Hybe claimed the group are still under contract and sued the group. “We believe we will win this battle against Hybe and Ador,” Danielle said.
A spokesperson for Hybe, however, cast doubt on that idea. “We worry that announcing an unauthorized new group name or engaging in entertainment activities before a legal judgement is reached… could constitute a material breach of the exclusive agency contract,” a spokesperson told CNN.
A preliminary court hearing for the injunction has been scheduled for March, with the lawsuit set to be heard in April.
