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.
Source: [1]
