"NJZ joins hands with BANA"... New Jeans eventually contacts a new agency

The group NewJeans, now operating under the name 'NJZ', is reportedly considering a move to Beasts and Natives (BANA), according to multiple industry insiders. Producers at BANA have previously collaborated with Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of ADOR, on several NewJeans tracks.

On the 14th, several industry sources told TenAsia that "NewJeans has recently entrusted BANA with managing their entertainment activities." A music critic familiar with the industry added, "BANA is handling overseas media interview requests for NewJeans, effectively acting as their agency."

A veteran music label executive commented, "While NewJeans and BANA may not have formalized a contract yet, many believe that NewJeans, former CEO Min, and BANA are working together to address current issues." A representative from a major entertainment agency also noted, "It seems BANA is assisting with NewJeans' activities."

Two BANA-affiliated producers, 250 (Lee Oh-gong) and FRNK (Frank), have contributed to several of NewJeans' hit songs. BANA is involved in both music production and entertainment management, representing artists like f(x)'s Krystal and rapper Beenzino.

The recent acquisition of an E-6 visa by NewJeans member Hani, who holds Australian and Vietnamese citizenship, further supports these speculations. The 'NJZ-PR' social media account, managed by NewJeans members' parents, announced on the 12th that "Hani has obtained a new visa through proper procedures."

Foreign entertainers in Korea require this visa, which can only be applied for through an agency, indicating that a management company facilitated Hani's visa application.

Additionally, BANA-affiliated rapper Kim Ximya mentioned during a live broadcast on the 6th, responding to a fan's comment about a new girl group from BANA, "How did you know?" NewJeans member Hyein also mentioned in an Instagram Live on the 7th, "We will soon have an agent (agency)."

TenAsia attempted to contact BANA multiple times for confirmation, but received no response.

Reported by Min-Kyung Lee, TenAsia 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr