Korean entertainment agency ADOR issued a statement regarding K-pop group NewJeans’ decision to use the new name NJZ.
ADOR and HYBE, and members of NewJeans are in legal dispute over their exclusive contract.
Last November, NewJeans announced that they terminated their exclusive contract with ADOR. The agency said the contract is valid.
On Feb. 7, NewJeans announced that they will now be using the name NJZ.
NewJeans under the new name NJZ (X)
“Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein's new group name: NJZ Get ready for an exciting journey with NJZ in 2025! Stay tuned!” NJZ posted on X on Feb. 7.
Following the announcement, ADOR issued a statement about this.
“While the legal proceedings concerning the exclusive contract between ADOR and the NewJeans members are ongoing, we deeply regret that the members have unilaterally made this choice (to announce a new stage name),” ADOR told Manila Bulletin.
ADOR said it will protect the NewJeans brand and hopes to talk to NewJeans or their legal representatives.
“ADOR remains committed to protecting the value of the NewJeans brand. We would like to reiterate that we are willing to meet with NewJeans members or their legal representatives at any time to clarify any misunderstandings and collaboratively plan for the group's future activities,” it added.
The agency filed an injunction with the Seoul Central District Court last January to “to prevent members of K-pop girl group NewJeans from signing independent advertising contracts without its consent.”
The case is in addition to ADOR’s lawsuit filed last December “in which the company sought a declaration affirming the validity of its exclusive contracts with the NewJeans members.”
The first hearing for the injunction on the advertising contracts filed by ADOR against NewJeans will be held on March 7.
In addition, the first hearing for the lawsuit to confirm the validity of NewJeans’ exclusive contract will be held on April 3.