NewJeans Accused of Plagiarizing aespa With Rebranded Metallic Logo Design

The worldwide woman group NJZ, previously referred to as NewJeans, is now going through allegations of plagiarism over the metallic design of their new brand, with some claiming they’re copying SM Leisure’s aespa.On Thursday, the group—made up of Danielle, Haerin, Hanni, Hyein, and Minji—revealed it’s formally rebranding as NJZ amid its authorized battle with company ADOR. The announcement was made in collaboration with the media publishing firm COMPLEX and was accompanied by new group pictures, together with one which confirmed a Y2K brand stylized with metallic fonts. Different pictures additionally featured chromatic metallic parts.For the reason that reveal, some social media customers accused NJZ of plagiarizing aespa’s idea, including that the emblem bore a similarity to the woman group’s cyberpunk-inspired branding.Some netizens defended NJZ, arguing that the group’s rebranded brand follows a design idea they’ve used since their debut in July 2022. Others identified that Vespa has modified its logos a number of instances to match the theme of its new track or album.NJZ’s rebranding comes amid its ongoing dispute with ADOR. In November 2024, the group terminated its contract with the company, accusing ADOR of mistreatment, contract violations, and harassment.ADOR disputes this, claiming the contract stays legitimate till 2029 and submitting lawsuits to dam the group’s unbiased actions. The company additionally sought courtroom injunctions to stop NJZ from signing promoting offers or utilizing the brand new identify earlier than authorized rulings.Key hearings are scheduled for March 7 for promoting disputes and April 3 for contract validity.NJZ members say the rebrand displays their want to maneuver ahead creatively whereas distancing themselves from the battle, Hanni mentioned in an interview with CNN.She additionally claimed that underneath ADOR, NJZ would transfer away from its “girl-next-door” picture and shift to a sharper, bolder type by avenue style and genderless clothes.