On February 7, NewJeans officially introduced their new name, NJZ, through social media. Following their announcement of contract termination with ADOR, they also rebranded their SNS account from “JeansForFree” to “NJZ_Official,” signaling a new chapter in their career.
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New Music and Performances on the Horizon
Along with their rebranding, the members revealed plans for upcoming performances, including their participation in Complex Live at Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo next month. During a live broadcast, they announced that NJZ’s debut song would be released on the final day of ComplexCon on March 23. They also reassured fans by stating that an official agent would be appointed soon.
Since declaring the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR last November, the group has avoided using the name “NewJeans” in official activities. However, ADOR insists that their contract with the members remains valid until July 2029. In response, the company has taken legal action, filing a lawsuit to confirm the contract’s validity and requesting an injunction to prevent the group from signing advertising deals or taking independent agency actions.
Reacting to NJZ’s latest move, ADOR expressed disappointment, stating, “It is unfortunate that the members have unilaterally made this decision before a legal ruling has been reached.”
Legal Proceedings Set to Begin
The legal battle between NewJeans and ADOR is set to unfold in court, with key hearings scheduled in the coming months.
On March 7, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division No. 50 will review ADOR’s request for a temporary injunction aimed at preventing NewJeans from signing independent advertising contracts and maintaining ADOR’s legal status as the group’s management company.
Following this, the first official trial will take place on April 3, under Civil Division No. 41, where ADOR seeks to confirm the validity of its exclusive contract with NewJeans.
Parents Step In, Fueling Concerns Over an Escalating Public Battle
Shortly before NJZ’s rebranding, the members’ parents created social media accounts, signaling a more active role in the dispute.
The feud between former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin and HYBE over NewJeans has led to public accusations that damaged both sides’ reputations. As official statements and counter-statements continue, public fatigue has grown. With the parents now involved, tensions are expected to rise again. They stated, “We know many are tired of this conflict and apologize, but we need a platform to clarify the facts.”
Industry experts worry this could escalate into a full-scale media war, similar to the FIFTY FIFTY dispute, where parental intervention backfired. One expert noted, “With multiple lawsuits ahead, both sides should focus on legal proceedings rather than fueling a public battle.”
