NewJeans made their first domestic stage appearance since announcing plans to terminate their exclusive contract with ADOR, but fans noticed something unusual—no mention of the name "NewJeans".

On December 7, the group performed as special guests at Japanese duo YOASOBI's concert held at Incheon’s Inspire Arena.

The members—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—delivered powerful performances of their hit tracks "How Sweet" and "Right Now".

However, when introducing themselves to the crowd, they each used their individual names instead of referring to themselves as "NewJeans".

Additionally, the stage screens, which would typically display the group’s iconic logo, remained blank of any branding tied to the group name.

YOASOBI mentioned "NewJeans" once during the event, but this was the only time the group name was referenced.

This decision has sparked heated discussions online. Fans and netizens debated the situation, with some pointing out the awkwardness of the group’s introduction.

One fan commented, "Are we calling them ‘formerly known as NewJeans’ now?" while others expressed frustration, calling it "a strange moment in K-pop history."

The controversy stems from NewJeans' recent announcement to terminate their contract with ADOR, leading to strong backlash from the Korean Entertainment Producers Association (KEPA) and other industry bodies.

KEPA recently issued a statement calling the group’s decision "irresponsible", urging them to "retract their baseless claims and return to their regular activities".

Fans are now curious about how NewJeans will handle upcoming performances and commitments. Will they continue to avoid using their group name, or will they face more criticism for their actions?

For now, the situation remains tense, with many hoping for clarity and resolution in the near future.

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BTS’s Jimin has just scored another major victory in his solo career, winning the prestigious 'International Male Artist of the Year' award at the 2024 Pure Chart Awards in France.

The award was presented during a digital ceremony hosted by the French radio station RPM and Pure Chart, a top music site that has been a major player in the French music scene for over 20 years. Jimin took home the top prize in the highly competitive category, beating out some of the biggest names in music, including U.S. hip-hop legend Kendrick Lamar and global sensation The Weeknd.

Not only did Jimin win, but he also did so in style, securing six times more votes than the runner-up. This massive victory further proves Jimin’s dominance not just in K-pop, but as a 21st-century pop icon.

Pure Chart highlighted Jimin’s success alongside Taylor Swift, calling them the “standout international artists” of the year.

Jimin’s victory at the Pure Chart Awards adds to his already impressive year. Earlier in 2024, he made history at the MAMA AWARDS JAPAN, becoming the first solo artist ever to win the 'Best Fans’ Choice of the Year' award and the 'Fans’ Choice Main Award.' He also snagged the ‘Best K-pop’ award at the MTV Europe Music Awards, proving once again that he is a global force in music.

Jimin’s solo album MUSE, released on July 19, continues to make waves across the world, even without promotions due to his military enlistment. His title track, “Who,” recently made headlines as it reached No. 47 on the Billboard Hot 100 as of December 14, marking an incredible 20 consecutive weeks on the chart and solidifying his status as one of the most influential solo artists in the world.

Source (1)