Hong Kong’s vibrant cultural scene is buzzing with excitement as ComplexCon 2025, the global streetwear and pop culture festival, kicks off today, March 24th. Among the headliners stealing the spotlight is NJZ, the K-pop sensation formerly known as NewJeans, who are making waves with their bold rebranding and a highly anticipated performance scheduled for yesterday, March 23rd. This marks a pivotal moment for the group—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—as they step onto the stage for the first time under their new moniker, delivering never-before-heard music to an eager audience at AsiaWorld-Expo.
A Rebirth Amid Controversy
The journey to this moment has been anything but smooth. In November 2024, the five members of NewJeans announced the unilateral termination of their contract with Ador, a sub-label of Hybe, citing allegations of mistreatment. This sparked a legal battle that saw the group rebrand as NJZ in February 2025, a move symbolizing their push for independence. On February 7th, NJZ unveiled their new name alongside a striking photoshoot, signaling a fresh start. “We are thrilled to be stepping onto the stage for the first time as NJZ and share something new with everyone,” Minji said in a press release. “It’s a big moment for us, and we can’t wait for fans to be part of this journey.”
However, the road to ComplexCon was nearly derailed. Just days ago, on March 21st, the Seoul Central District Court granted Ador an injunction, temporarily barring NJZ from pursuing independent activities under their new name. The ruling stated that the group failed to prove an irreparable breakdown of their contract with Ador. Facing a potential cancellation, NJZ made a last-minute decision to perform under Ador’s management as NewJeans, a compromise announced via social media. “After much deliberation, we have decided to participate in the upcoming ComplexCon scheduled for March 23,” the group posted on their njz_pr Instagram account. “This decision was made out of respect for our fans and all stakeholders involved, to prevent unnecessary disruption.”
Ador quickly confirmed their support, stating they would provide “full on-site support to ensure this weekend’s ComplexCon performance proceeds under the name of NewJeans.” While NJZ agreed to perform under their original name for now, they’ve hinted at plans to challenge the court’s decision, suggesting this saga is far from over.
ComplexCon Hong Kong: A Cultural Melting Pot
ComplexCon Hong Kong, now in its second year, has solidified its status as a must-attend event in Asia’s cultural calendar. Running from March 21st to 23rd, the festival blends music, fashion, art, and food, drawing over 30,000 attendees from across the globe in 2024. This year’s edition, held during Hong Kong’s Art Month, promises an even grander spectacle, with NJZ joined by heavyweights like Metro Boomin, Quavo, and South Korean rapper Zico as headliners for the Complex Live! concert series.
The festival’s marketplace, sprawling across Halls 3, 6, 8, and 10 of AsiaWorld-Expo, is a treasure trove of exclusive drops and collaborations. NJZ fans were treated to a special merchandise launch on March 21st, featuring never-before-seen items that sold out rapidly. Beyond the music and merch, ComplexCon offers panel talks with cultural icons like Hiroshi Fujiwara and Takashi Murakami—both of whom collaborated with NewJeans on their 2024 Japanese double single Supernatural—adding a layer of intrigue for fans.
The event’s global appeal is undeniable. With 55% of last year’s visitors hailing from outside Hong Kong, including the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, ComplexCon has become a crossroads of East-meets-West creativity. Artistic director Daniel Arsham, known for his “Future Relics” aesthetic, has elevated this year’s experience, weaving together live performances, brand activations, and a diverse food festival featuring local and international flavors.
NJZ’s New Music and the Road Ahead
For NJZ’s devoted fans, affectionately dubbed “Bunnies,” the March 23rd performance was a historic moment. Despite the legal constraints, the group delivered on their promise to debut new music, offering a tantalizing glimpse into their next chapter. While specifics about the setlist remain under wraps as of this early morning hour on March 24th, social media is already ablaze with speculation about what NJZ has in store.
The group’s meteoric rise since their 2022 debut—marked by hits like “Attention,” “OMG,” and “Supernatural”—has redefined K-pop’s global footprint. Their ComplexCon appearance not only reaffirms their influence but also underscores their resilience amid adversity. As they navigate this transitional phase, NJZ’s ability to captivate audiences suggests they’re poised to remain a dominant force, whether as NewJeans or under their new identity.
Hong Kong’s Spotlight Moment
For Hong Kong, hosting ComplexCon 2025 is a testament to its growing stature as a cultural hub. Supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund, the event aligns with the city’s push to attract international visitors and showcase its dynamic youth culture. Bonnie Chan Woo, CEO of Complex China, summed it up: “The great energy at ComplexCon proves there’s a huge appetite for events like this in Hong Kong. It’s a special moment for everyone who’s into creativity.”
As the dust settles on NJZ’s ComplexCon debut, all eyes are on what comes next. Will they successfully shed the NewJeans name and forge ahead as NJZ? Or will Ador’s legal grip tighten? For now, Hong Kong has borne witness to a pivotal chapter in their story—one that blends music, fashion, and a fierce determination to redefine the future.
