The members of NewJeans have chosen the 'ComplexCon Hong Kong' as the first step for 'NJZ'.
The global street fashion and culture festival 'ComplexCon' will be held from March 21 to 23 at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, featuring 'ComplexCon Hong Kong'.
This festival is the second event held outside North America following last year. Notably, the concert series of this ComplexCon Hong Kong festival, 'Complex Live', will include NJZ (formerly NewJeans) in its artist lineup, capturing the attention of fans.
This ComplexCon marks NJZ's first activity after changing their group name, which has garnered significant attention. NJZ consists of five members: Minji, Hani, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, and is recognized as the girl group with the highest influence in the music industry.
NewJeans made history by winning the 'Group of the Year' award at the '2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards', becoming the first K-pop girl group to do so. In 2023, they also won the 'Top Global K-Pop Artist' award at the 'Billboard Music Awards'. Additionally, they swept the 'Artist of the Year' awards at the '2023 MAMA Awards' and 'Melon Music Awards', creating the NewJeans syndrome.
Bonnie Chan Woo, owner and CEO of Complex China, expressed, "We are very pleased to have NJZ on stage at ComplexCon Hong Kong this year. From their debut, NJZ has captivated fans with their unique Y2K sound and nostalgic retro style, creating a sensation in the K-pop market. NJZ has redefined what it means to be a global girl group, exuding fresh and unique energy. This stage will play a crucial role in opening a new chapter as artists, and we are honored to witness their symbolic debut stage as NJZ."
Minji stated, "I am very excited to be on stage for the first time as NJZ and show a new side of ourselves. This stage is a very important moment, and I am eagerly looking forward to sharing the new music that we have wanted to present with fans around the world."
Following NJZ, American hip-hop producer Metro Boomin is also included in the lineup for this ComplexCon. He leads the modern hip-hop scene in the U.S. with groundbreaking production and sounds, having worked with numerous famous artists such as Nicki Minaj, Drake, Future, 21 Savage, Gucci Mane, Young Thug, Wiz Khalifa, and Migos. His iconic production style can be heard in songs like Post Malone's 'Congratulations', Drake & Future's 'Jumpman', and Kendrick Lamar's 'Humble'. This will be Metro's second appearance at a Complex event this year.
Additionally, Quavo, the leader of the iconic American rap group Migos, will also take the stage. During Migos' activities, they topped the Billboard charts, surpassing records set by The Beatles, making a significant impact in the industry. Quavo has collaborated with global top artists such as Post Malone, Madonna, Justin Bieber, and Travis Scott.
Moreover, he has successfully showcased his versatility as a solo artist through various collaborations with artists like Peso Pluma, Lenny Kravitz, Teddy Swims, and Luke Bryan. Most recently, in July 2024, he released 'Tough', a country-trap style song in collaboration with Lana Del Rey.
This year's lineup features famous artists from various countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, and Hong Kong. Zico, B.I, rapper Sik-K, Changmo, and MC Jin, the first Chinese-American rapper to sign with a major record label in the U.S., are also included.
Additionally, artists such as Japanese DJ and model Shuzo, Japanese hip-hop artist Yellow Bucks, Hong Kong singer and actor Jace, and China's rookie rap group Dizi Ghetto, along with Dizi Ghetto's Tomboy Don't Kill, will present solo performances. The performance dates for each artist will be announced later.
Both the ComplexCon events in Las Vegas and Hong Kong will have American artist Daniel Arsham serving as the '2025 Global Artistic Director'.
[Geum Bitna, MK Sports Reporter]
