The members of NewJeans performed their first domestic stage since notifying their agency, ADOR, of their intention to terminate their exclusive contracts.
However, during their appearance at the YOASOBI concert on December 7th at Incheon Inspire Arena, the group notably refrained from mentioning the name "NewJeans."
Instead the members introduced themselves individually by name, drawing attention from some members of the audience.
Adding to the unusual atmosphere, the typical display of the group's name or logo was absent from the stage visuals. Although YOASOBI briefly mentioned "NewJeans" during their introduction, this was the only acknowledgment of the group name throughout the event.
This situation where NewJeans avoided calling themselves by their group name quickly spread across social media. The unusual occurrence sparked heated discussions within fandom communities, with some netizens humorously referring to it as a "bizarrely tragic-comic spectacle," borrowing language from the Korea Entertainment Producers Association (KEPA)’s recent statement.
Others drew parallels to the English expression "A.K.A" (also known as), questioning whether the members should now be referred to as "A.K.A NewJeans."
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding NewJeans' contract termination notice continues to escalate. Prominent entertainment industry organizations have issued statements urging the group to withdraw their declaration.
On December 6th, KEPA followed the Korea Management Federation (KMF) in calling for NewJeans to "retract their irresponsible demands and return to normal activities."
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