NJZ: A New Chapter
Look, it's a new me
Switched it up, who's this?
It’s NJZ!
The girl group formerly known as NewJeans, is rebranding as NJZ after parting ways with the South Korean record label ADOR.
On February 7th, COMPLEX released a portrait of the five-member group—Minji, Danielle, Hanni, Hyein, and Haerin—unveiling a bold new style. Moving away from their previous youthful aesthetic, the group embraced a fierce Y2K-inspired look. With edgy street fashion and striking red-colored contacts, the members showcased a transformed image, marking a fitting introduction to their rebranded identity as NJZ.
The conflict between HYBE and its sub-label ADOR began in April 2024 when HYBE launched an audit into ADOR, accusing its CEO, Min Hee-jin, of attempting to seize control of the agency. Tensions escalated as Min Hee-jin accused HYBE of plagiarism, referencing similarities between NewJeans and the debut of their new girl group, ILLIT. As both CEO and creative director of NewJeans, Min played a pivotal role in their success. Her unique approach, blending R&B, pop, and hip-hop with Y2K aesthetics, set NewJeans apart from traditional K-pop, making them a standout act from the start.
After Min Hee-jin parted ways with HYBE, the girl group accused the company of mismanagement and mistreatment, ultimately leading to their departure and an ongoing legal battle.
Now officially known as NJZ, the group is set to make their first public appearance at ComplexCon Hong Kong in March, headlining Sunday night’s set. After a year of uncertainty surrounding their future, excitement and anticipation are now building for NJZ’s highly awaited re-debut, marking the beginning of a bold new chapter in their careers.
