Members of the K-pop group NewJeans have declared their intention to change their group name to NJZ, but their label Ador has rejected this new name amid an ongoing contract dispute. On February 10, Ador stated that the members' announcement on February 7 regarding the unapproved name has led to confusion. Ador emphasized that the contract with NewJeans remains legally valid and that claims of its termination are unilateral. Previously, Ador filed for a preliminary injunction to affirm its management rights and is currently awaiting a court decision. The label urged the media to use the official name 'NewJeans' based on the valid contract and requested accurate reporting on the significance of exclusive contracts in the entertainment industry. NewJeans is set to perform under the name NJZ at the 'Complex Live' event in Hong Kong from March 21 to 23, where they will unveil new music. The group claimed last November that their contract with Ador was terminated, while Ador insists the contract is valid until 2029 and is pursuing legal action. The first hearing for the injunction filed by Ador against the five members is scheduled for March 7, with the initial court date for the contract validity lawsuit set for April 3.

NewJeans Members Announce Name Change Amid Contract Dispute with Ador

On the February 10 episode of TV Chosun's variety show 'Joseon’s Love Fool' (조선의 사랑꾼), Seo Jeong-hee (서정희) opened up about her past marriage. When asked about her motivations for wanting to marry, she revealed, "I have scars from my wedding; I married during a difficult time, not a beautiful one, and looking at wedding photos brings me sadness." She married at the young age of 19 in 1982 and weighed only 30 kg at the time.

Seo shared, "I didn’t understand love; my ex-husband's affection always felt one-sided and frightening." She shocked viewers by stating that if she were to be reborn, she would still choose to marry her ex-husband, saying, "I would marry you, Dad." She recounted how her ex-husband would question her about who bought her clothes, asking if he would buy them if she behaved well, to which she would respond, "I will be good." She referred to her ex-husband as 'Dad.'

Seo described her marriage as a form of imprisonment, stating, "Whether I liked it or not, I had to obey and do as I was told. If he said not to go outside, I couldn’t go out." This sentiment was further underscored by the later release of CCTV footage showing her being assaulted by her ex-husband, Seo Se-won (서세원), which shocked the public.

Seo Jeong-hee debuted as a CF model at 19 but left her brief entertainment career to marry Seo Se-won. After revealing her tumultuous family life in 2014, they divorced in 2015 after 32 years of marriage. Seo Se-won later remarried a woman 23 years his junior, but tragically passed away in May 2023 while receiving IV treatment at a Korean hospital in Cambodia.

故서세원 언급..서정희 "결혼=감금, 폭행이었다" 충격 ('조선의 사랑꾼')

Seo Jeong-hee Reflects on Painful Marriage Experience on 'Joseon’s Love Fool'

Yeji of ITZY is set to make her solo debut with the release of her first mini album titled 'AIR' on March 10. JYP Entertainment surprised fans by announcing the news at midnight on their official social media channels, unveiling a trailer video and a promotional schedule. 

The opening trailer captivates viewers with a cinematic, sci-fi movie vibe, showcasing Yeji's stunning visuals and dynamic expressions, heightening anticipation for her solo debut. 

Fans can look forward to a variety of promotional content leading up to the release, including the official trailer on February 10, the tracklist on February 14, concept photos and short films on February 24, 26, and 28, an album spoiler on March 3, and music video teasers and photos on March 5 and 7. On the release day, the album cover will be revealed at midnight, followed by a countdown live event at 5 PM to celebrate her solo debut with fans. 

Last year, Yeji showcased her first solo track 'Crown on My Head (예지)' through ITZY's album 'BORN TO BE', demonstrating her passionate aura as a performer. With her impressive performances and confident demeanor, Yeji is expected to bring a unique charm to the music scene as a solo artist.

[공식] ITZY 예지, 3월 10일 솔로 데뷔…'퍼포먼스 퀸' 출격

ITZY's Yeji to Make Solo Debut with Mini Album 'AIR' on March 10

Jeon Hyun-moo (전현무) and Hong Joo-yeon (홍주연) have found themselves at the center of marriage rumors, following a recent episode of KBS2's 'Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears' (사장님 귀는 당나귀 귀) aired on February 9, 2025. The speculation about their potential wedding was reignited after a previous episode on February 2, where chef Jung Ji-sun (정지선) mentioned Jeon Hyun-moo's rumored marriage in March.

During the show, Jung Ji-sun was recording a segment for the popular program 'Gag Concert' (개그콘서트) with comedians Jo Soo-yeon (조수연) and Shin Yoon-seung (신윤승). In a playful moment, Jo Soo-yeon jokingly claimed that Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon would be getting married in May, which left the young fan, Woo-hyung, surprised.

This playful banter led to further jokes in the studio, with Kim Byung-hyun (김병현) and other cast members teasing Jeon Hyun-moo about his supposed upcoming nuptials. Jeon Hyun-moo even humorously admitted to dating Hong Joo-yeon for a month, prompting laughter from the audience.

In a segment of the show, Um Ji-in (엄지인) shared photos of Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon dining together, showcasing their apparent happiness. Jeon Hyun-moo defended Hong Joo-yeon when Um Ji-in playfully scolded her, and he expressed a sense of nostalgia when he saw her wearing headphones, drawing parallels to his past.

As the rumors continued, the initial March wedding speculation was pushed to May. With the addition of chef Shin Jong-cheol (신종철) to the panel, who praised the buffet's offerings, Park Myung-soo (박명수) chimed in, suggesting that Jeon Hyun-moo might have good news next month. Jeon Hyun-moo responded with disbelief, stating that his mother had even inquired about the marriage rumors.

In a light-hearted exchange, Park Myung-soo suggested moving the wedding date to May, to which Jeon Hyun-moo agreed but quickly noted that this would only lead to more articles about the change. The conversation took a humorous turn when Shin Jong-cheol offered to help plan the wedding, mentioning various events he could assist with, which left Jeon Hyun-moo visibly flustered.

"사귄 지 한달" 전현무, 母는 몰랐고 최측근만 알았다…5월로 결혼 연기 (사당귀)[Oh!쎈 이슈]

Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon Spark Marriage Rumors

On February 10, 2025, Ador emphasized that the K-pop group NewJeans is not changing its name to NJZ. An Ador representative stated that the exclusive contracts with the members are legally valid and that claims of termination are unilateral. The company has filed for a court ruling to confirm the validity of the contracts and is awaiting the court's decision.

On February 7, members Minji, Hani, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein announced their new name 'NJZ' through their official social media channels, following an emergency press conference in November where they declared the termination of their contracts with Ador. Former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin showed support by liking their announcement.

The social media account used for this announcement was previously managed informally by the five members. With the name change, they also updated their profile logo to reflect their new identity as NJZ. Their first activity as NJZ is scheduled for March 21-23 at ComplexCon Hong Kong, held at AsiaWorld-Expo.

In response, Ador has taken legal action to assert that the exclusive contracts remain in effect. They filed for a preliminary injunction to maintain their management rights and prevent the members from entering into new contracts. The members have also appointed a law firm to represent them.

Amid this turmoil, Ador reiterated its request for the group to continue using the official name 'NewJeans' based on valid contracts.

"NJZ 아닌 뉴진스입니다"..어도어, 전속계약 유효 재차 강조 (종합)

Ador Confirms NewJeans Name Amidst Group's Rebranding

In a surprising twist on the February 9 episode of SBS's Running Man, Hollywood actor Robert Pattinson made a special appearance, delighting both the cast and viewers. During a race where the members dressed as servants to complete tasks for their master, the production team revealed that Pattinson was filming nearby, catching everyone off guard. 

As the members encountered Pattinson in the bustling Tongin Market, they expressed their concerns about their unusual attire, jokingly asking if it was appropriate to meet him while dressed as servants. They worried about how Pattinson might perceive them, insisting to the interpreter that they usually don’t dress this way and that they are well-known in Korea. 

Unaware of the members' embarrassment, Pattinson cheerfully greeted them while enjoying the market's famous oil tteokbokki. This visit marks Pattinson's first trip to Korea since his debut, as he prepares for the release of his upcoming film, Mickey17, directed by Bong Joon-ho, set to premiere on February 28.

'봉준호의 남자' 로버트 패틴슨이 '런닝맨'에 왜 나와? "100%리얼 상황" [순간포착]

Robert Pattinson Surprises Fans on Running Man

Kai of EXO has completed his alternative military service and is set to reunite with his fans. He enlisted in May 2023, undergoing basic military training before transitioning to social service. At the time of his enlistment, Kai expressed his disappointment, stating, "I had a lot prepared, and it's unfortunate. I'm upset, but I can show you everything when I return." After serving for 1 year and 9 months, he is now gearing up for EXO's full group comeback. Fellow member Sehun, who enlisted in December 2023, is also expected to be discharged soon, raising fans' anticipation. Other EXO members have consistently mentioned their plans for a full group return. Suho and Chanyeol shared during an SM Town concert, "Kai will be back, and Sehun will join us soon. We are preparing to gather again for even better performances, so please look forward to it." In a recent interview, D.O. reassured fans, saying, "We are getting ready now, and I want to say you don’t need to worry. You will see the full group soon. We have been preparing since this year. EXO is still going strong." Kai debuted with EXO in 2012 and gained global popularity with his mini solo album 'ROVER' released before his enlistment.

EXO's Kai Completes Alternative Military Service and Returns to Fans

It has been 18 years since the beloved actress Jeong Da-bin, often referred to as the 'Second Choi Jin-sil' for her vibrant charm, tragically passed away. On February 10, 2007, she was found dead in her boyfriend's apartment in Samseong-dong, Gangnam, Seoul. While the police and the National Forensic Service concluded that her death was a suicide based on the autopsy, her family and agency have consistently argued that there was no reason for her to take her own life. To this day, the reasons behind Jeong Da-bin's death remain unclear.

Jeong Da-bin made her debut in 2000 with the SBS sitcom Don.com. She rose to fame with her role in the sitcom Nonstop 3 and showcased her adorable charm alongside Kim Rae-won in the 2003 drama Rooftop Room Cat. Her lovely visuals and refreshing acting style led many to anticipate her as the next 'Romantic Comedy Queen' following Choi Jin-sil.

However, after her appearance in the 2005 SBS drama The Summer's Hurricane, her career saw a decline. In 2007, she suddenly left her loved ones, shocking the entertainment industry. Even after 18 years, fans continue to remember her as a versatile actress capable of excelling in both comedy and romance.

Her colleagues share similar sentiments. In a 2018 MBC special titled 'Again, Twenty - New Nonstop,' Jo In-sung expressed his difficulty in attending her funeral, stating, 'It was hard to go to the mortuary. My heart was too pained. I felt so sorry that I wondered if I had the right to go. But I thought I should at least say goodbye on my way there.' 

Similarly, Jung Tae-woo reflected on the disbelief surrounding her death, saying, 'Everyone must have felt it was unbelievable. It was so hard to accept that Da-bin was gone. She had family and colleagues around her. We had good memories together. I still find myself talking to the air every time articles about her come out.'

Remembering Jeong Da-bin: 18 Years Since Her Untimely Passing

The popular K-pop group NewJeans has announced their independent activities under the new name NJZ. On February 9, they shared a group selfie on their official account, stating, "It's been a while since we took a group selfie." The photo features members Minji, Hani, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein striking V poses and smiling brightly.

The members expressed their satisfaction with their day, saying, "We feel like we had a very fulfilling day. We hope our fans, Bunnies (the official fan club), are enjoying good music and staying warm."

On February 7, NewJeans revealed their new team name, NJZ, and changed their previously established account 'Jins for Free' to 'NJZ Official.' They also announced plans for their upcoming activities, including a performance at the 'Complex Live' event at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong in March. They will debut their new song on March 23, the last day of ComplexCon, and mentioned that they will soon have an agent.

In response, Ador expressed disappointment over the members' unilateral decision to pursue this path before any legal judgment was made. Last November, NewJeans declared the termination of their exclusive contract with Ador, citing contract violations. They stated that they would not be liable for any penalties and would continue to use the NewJeans name. However, due to potential trademark issues, they have refrained from using the name since then.

Ador, on the other hand, maintains that the contract with NewJeans is valid until July 2029 and has filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the contract, along with a request for a temporary injunction to prevent the group from entering into advertising contracts.

As NJZ embarks on their independent journey, they face challenges ahead. A legal battle with Ador is set to begin in March, with a hearing scheduled for March 7 regarding the injunction. The first hearing for the contract validity lawsuit will take place on April 3.

Additionally, member Hani faces visa issues. As a dual citizen of Australia and Vietnam, she has been working under an E-6 (Artistic Performance) visa issued through Ador, which is set to expire soon. To renew this visa, she needs to submit various documents, including an exclusive contract, a business registration certificate, and a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Ador has stated they are preparing the necessary documents for Hani's visa extension, but if she does not return to Ador, they are unlikely to assist her.

Moreover, NewJeans must navigate public fatigue outside their core fandom, Bunnyz, allegations against former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, and industry backlash.

The future of NewJeans as NJZ remains a topic of great interest as they chart their new course.

NewJeans Launches Independent Activities as NJZ

The general ticket sales for 2NE1's 15th anniversary encore concert in Seoul will begin today, February 10, at 8 PM through Interpark Ticket. The concert, titled '2025 2NE1 CONCERT [WELCOME BACK] ENCORE IN SEOUL', is set to take place on April 12 and 13 at the KSPO DOME in Olympic Park, Bangi-dong, Seoul.

This event marks the group's reunion with domestic fans approximately six months after their last performance in Seoul last October, which saw overwhelming demand with all tickets selling out. Many fans who missed out on tickets have been eagerly requesting additional shows, making the competition for tickets this time around expected to be fierce.

Unlike the pre-sale for temporary fan club members, this general sale will be open to everyone. Fans can look forward to a comprehensive showcase of 2NE1's musical journey, as this concert will serve as the grand finale of their tour.

In a video released today, 2NE1 expressed their excitement, stating, "We are coming back to Seoul. We will meet you at the much larger KSPO DOME. The first concert in Seoul was truly moving, so we are even more thrilled for this encore performance. Let's all jump together one last time!"

Currently, 2NE1 is successfully navigating their 15th anniversary Asia tour, '2024-25 2NE1 ASIA TOUR [WELCOME BACK]', having already completed concerts in cities such as Seoul, Manila, Jakarta, Kobe, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Taipei. They are now set to perform in Ho Chi Minh City and Macau, aiming to achieve a record of 27 shows across 12 cities, attracting a total audience of 220,000, including the Seoul encore.

2NE1 to Hold Encore Concert in Seoul for 15th Anniversary

On February 11, KBS2's show Celebrity Soldier's Secret (셀럽 병사의 비밀) aired its eighth episode, delving into the identity of the 'Purple Killer,' a figure that instilled fear in many celebrities, including Kim Gu (김구), Walt Disney, and Edvard Munch (에드바르 뭉크). The episode explored the mysterious deaths surrounding the famous painter Gustav Klimt, known for his iconic kiss scene, who passed away suddenly in 1918 shortly before his hospital discharge due to a stroke. Following his death, his protégé and rival, Egon Schiele (에곤 실레), also died, leading to a series of unexplained deaths where victims exhibited a purple discoloration of the face and pneumonia symptoms before dying within days. This led to rumors in Europe that the German army had released poison gas during World War I.

The fear of death spread rapidly beyond Europe, reaching Korea during the Japanese occupation in 1918, where notable figures like Kim Gu, Walt Disney, Mahatma Gandhi, and Edvard Munch also contracted the Spanish flu.

Interestingly, the first recorded outbreak of the Spanish flu was reported in the United States, not Spain. This led to a heated discussion on the show, with guest Jang Do-yeon expressing outrage over the naming of the virus, comparing it to being unjustly labeled as the 'Jang Do-yeon virus.'

ENT specialist Lee Nak-jun (이낙준), known for his work on the Trauma Center, provided medical insights into the various rumors and treatments surrounding the flu at that time. Lee Chan-won (이찬원) humorously questioned whether mixing soju with chili powder could actually cure a cold, leading to a light-hearted moment where he publicly apologized to friends who had tried this remedy instead of taking proper medication.

The episode also featured Professor Song Dae-seop (송대섭) from Seoul National University, who developed the world's first MERS diagnostic kit in 2015. He emphasized the importance of the broadcast, revealing shocking facts about the Spanish flu and its current implications, including research suggesting that up to 300 new viruses could emerge each year over the next 50 years, equating to a new infectious disease potentially appearing almost every day.

The secrets of the 'Purple Killer' that swept the globe in 1918 will be revealed in the Spanish flu episode of Celebrity Soldier's Secret, airing on Tuesday, February 11, at 8:30 PM. Meanwhile, Lee Chan-won has disclosed that he has over 30 events scheduled in a month, with his fee reportedly around 28 million won.

NewJeans Members Announce Name Change Amid Contract Dispute with Ador

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EXO's Kai Completes Alternative Military Service and Returns to Fans

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Seo Jeong-hee Reflects on Painful Marriage Experience on 'Joseon’s Love Fool'

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Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon Spark Marriage Rumors

Ador Confirms NewJeans Name Amidst Group's Rebranding

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