NewJeans Announces Public Contest for New Stage Name Amid Contract Dispute with HYBE and ADOR

Popular K-pop group NewJeans has announced plans to adopt a temporary new name amid an ongoing contract dispute with its label, Ador, and its parent company, Hybe.

The group revealed the decision on its newly created social media account, jeanzforfree, and launched a two-day public contest to decide the new stage name.

“We’ll be holding a two-day public contest to decide on a new stage name, which will be used for a certain period,” NewJeans stated in a post that quickly garnered over 16,000 comments within 50 minutes.

The group also accused Ador and Hybe of failing to meet their obligations as an agency, claiming their contracts were terminated on November 29, 2024, due to the companies’ inability to fulfill their responsibilities.

“The five of us have no intention of ever returning to Hybe or Ador, where even the minimum level of trust cannot be expected,” the group said. They alleged that the companies attempted to “harass and attack” them while urging them to return.

Ador has disputed the termination, filing a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contracts. The label also sought an injunction to prevent NewJeans from signing independent advertising contracts, arguing that the agreements remain valid.

NewJeans has appointed the law firm Shin & Kim to represent them in legal proceedings and has invited fans to participate in the naming contest.

“Bunnies!! We are holding a two-day contest to choose a new name to use for a certain period. Please share your ideas in the comments!” the group posted on Instagram.

The dispute has drawn significant attention in South Korea’s entertainment industry, with both sides preparing for a legal battle to resolve the matter.