The global girl group NJZ, formerly known as NewJeans, is now facing allegations of plagiarism over the metallic design of their new logo, with some claiming they are copying SM Entertainment's aespa.
On Thursday, the group—made up of Danielle, Haerin, Hanni, Hyein, and Minji—revealed it is officially rebranding as NJZ amid its legal battle with agency ADOR. The announcement was made in collaboration with the media publishing company COMPLEX and was accompanied by new group photos, including one that showed a Y2K logo stylized with metallic fonts. Other photos also featured chromatic metal elements.
Since the reveal, some social media users accused NJZ of plagiarizing aespa's concept, adding that the logo bore a similarity to the girl group's cyberpunk-inspired branding.
Some netizens defended NJZ, arguing that the group's rebranded logo follows a design concept they have used since their debut in July 2022. Others pointed out that Vespa has changed its logos multiple times to match the theme of its new song or album.
NJZ's rebranding comes amid its ongoing dispute with ADOR. In November 2024, the group terminated its contract with the agency, accusing ADOR of mistreatment, contract violations, and harassment.
ADOR disputes this, claiming the contract remains valid until 2029 and filing lawsuits to block the group's independent activities. The agency also sought court injunctions to prevent NJZ from signing advertising deals or using the new name before legal rulings.
Key hearings are scheduled for March 7 for advertising disputes and April 3 for contract validity.
NJZ members say the rebrand reflects their desire to move forward creatively while distancing themselves from the conflict, Hanni said in an interview with CNN.
She also claimed that under ADOR, NJZ would move away from its "girl-next-door" image and shift to a sharper, bolder style through street fashion and genderless clothing.
