SEOUL, Feb. 21 -- Members of girl group NewJeans have accused Hybe of attempting to block their rebranding as NJZ, while major K-pop industry groups have raised concerns over potential disruptions to the industry.
According to Korea Joongang Daily, Hybe chairman Bang Si-hyuk allegedly called organisers of a Hong Kong concert in an attempt to prevent NJZ from performing at the event next month.
The parents of NJZ, which the five NewJeans members announced as their new group name earlier this month, claimed that both Hybe and NewJeans' agency Ador were trying to stop them from appearing at the Complex Live concert.
"We heard that Hybe chairman Bang Si-hyuk personally made calls to officials in the United States so that the NJZ members' per...