After reining the group as “Njz”, the Newjeans attracted a lot of attention by announcing their imminent activities
From “Newjeans” to “Njz” … the Netizen have shown contrasting reactions
On February 7, 2025, Newjeans’ members published a group photo on their official account with an ad, saying “The new name for the group of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein is” Njz “. I look forward to a more surprising journey with Njz in 2025”. In addition, the group has also aroused acute attention by informing the fans who will publish a new song and resume the activities seriously on March 23rd.
However, the reactions of the Netizen to the new name “Njz” were divided. Some said, “It is a bit disappointing that they use the initials”, “the old name” Newjeans “was much better”, “Will there be legal problems with the new name?”, Etc. In the meantime, others supported, “Njz’s pronunciation is new and creative”, “even if the name of their group changes, the identity of the group remains the same”, “I am cheering for their new beginning”, etc. Attention is on Njz’s activities while they are about to start again.
The controversy continues on the exclusive contract of Newjeans and Ador
On December 6, 2024, Newjeans sent a notification regarding the termination of the contract to Ador, a label owned by Hybe. The members declared, “Our contract with Ador has been terminated since 29 November 2024 and we are no longer under the direction of the Agency”. The group also underlined Ador’s bankruptcy in satisfying their duty to protect the artists, adding that their termination of the contract had been justified since the members have already generated entries that exceed Ador’s investments.
In response, Ador confirmed that Newjeans’ exclusive contract has remained valid and announced legal actions. As for the Newjeans who change the name of their group, said Ador, “It is a pity that they made the decision unilaterally before a legal sentence is aimed.”
Ador has filed a case to the Central District Seoul Court to confirm the validity of their exclusive contract with the members of Newjeans and an interrogation of the Court regarding the provisional injunction of Ador to maintain his management rights and prevent Newjeans from signing Advertising contracts independently will take place.
Reasons behind the change of name of the activity and expectations for the future of Newjeans
Newjeans’ decision to announce a new name, Njz, seems to be a move to avoid legal disputes with Ador. While the Court has yet to determine whether their exclusive contract has been terminated, using the old group name “Newjeans” could intensify their conflicts with Ador, with consequent change of the group name for future activities.
It is analyzed that the NJZ name has been selected because it still reminds Newjeans’ people by minimizing the risk of legal issues. An employee commented, “When disputes with agencies arise, it is normally difficult for the groups of idols to maintain the name of their group. Njz seems to be a compromise that allows members to maintain their identity while a new beginning begin. “
Will Hanni have to face a visa problem after the termination of the contract?
Since the member of Newjeans Hanni (born in 2004, 21 years old) has held Vietnamese nationality, concerns have been raised according to which a termination of the contract with Ador could make it difficult for her to remain in Korea.
Some Netizen have raised speculation, such as “Does this not mean that Hanni could become an illegal resident?”. However, Ador clarified, “Since our exclusive contract is still legally valid, we are proceeding with the extension of his visa.”
Currently, Hanni remains in Korea with an e-6 visa, which has a regulation that must report a change in its work within 30 days. Therefore, it is not required to leave the country immediately. However, if the legal dispute is prolonged, Hanni’s activities abroad can be limited due to visa problems.
After listening to this news, the Netizen reacted with conflicting opinions, such as “I don’t care what it’s called, I just hope they continue to promote together “,” Hybe’s trolls are returning “,” Newjeans Njz, fighting! “,” I hope they will fly higher and become much more successful “,” look how they are repeating the comments of hatred “, etc.
