Billboard Korea Celebrates NJZ’s “I Feel Coke”Release
On March 12, 2025, NJZ launched their latest track, “I Feel Coke,”in collaboration with Coca-Cola, revealing the song through Billboard Korea’s vibrant Instagram and YouTube platforms. This new release creatively reimagines the iconic 1980s Coca-Cola commercial, capturing the nostalgic essence while appealing to a modern audience.
In their Instagram announcement, Billboard Korea articulated the concept behind the project:
“Some things never fade and are loved forever. What if we reinterpreted the legendary 1980s commercial ‘I Feel Coke’ through the lens of youth in 2025? Now, sit tight and enjoy this new version brought to you not only by Coca-Cola and Billboard, but with Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein!”
This release followed shortly after NJZ’s unveiling of a commercial campaign promoting the idea of “Turn your old jeans into new jeans,”adding to the excitement around their new music.
Fans React to NJZ’s Anticipated Return
As the song dropped, fans eagerly expressed their excitement on social media platforms, notably in light of the ongoing tensions with ADOR and HYBE. One enthusiastic supporter on X shared their appreciation:
“Missing these girls. They sound so good.”
Reactions flooded in from across the platform, with many fans applauding not just the song but also the group’s return to the spotlight. A fan commented:
“YAKHHHH, it feels like an OST from a K-drama set in the 90s. It’s giving us summer vibes!”
“This appears to be a remake of an old commercial from the 1980s-1990s! NJZ has a knack for breathing new life into nostalgic themes with a contemporary twist,”
commented another fan, highlighting the group’s unique artistic vision.
“It’s truly good! Their version of the 1987 CM song resonates. ‘Coca-Cola Mashita’ had us dancing, and ‘I Feel Coke’ is getting us all jittery, bubbly, and emotional,”
another enthusiastic listener added.
Additional comments included:
“Very cute! Those harmonies… Loved the 90s vibe. I noticed Billboard only mentioned their names in the post,”
“I might get canceled for saying this, but this song seems to echo something I’ve heard before… Ah, it sounds like song of the year!”
“Is there a link to stream this officially? I want to help the girls,”
asked another passionate fan, demonstrating the community’s eagerness to support NJZ.
The Ongoing Dispute: NJZ vs. ADOR/HYBE
There’s been a highly publicized conflict involving NJZ (formerly known as NewJeans) and their management label, ADOR, which is backed by the prominent HYBE Corporation. The dispute began against the backdrop of a shareholders’ controversy, where Hybe’s executive and NewJeans’ former CEO, Min Hee-jin, made allegations regarding unfair competition with HYBE’s other girl groups.
Min Hee-jin was ousted from her position as CEO of ADOR on August 27, 2024, which led to further discontent among the group members. In a surprising YouTube live stream on September 11, they publicly voiced their support for Hee-jin while outlining grievances related to workplace issues, data breaches, and removed content.
The members even issued an ultimatum to HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk, demanding Hee-jin’s reinstatement by September 25; however, HYBE dismissed this request, stating that management and production should be distinct. They have confirmed that Hee-jin can remain the producer for NJZ.
In a notable turn of events, on October 15, 2024, member Hanni provided testimony during a National Assembly audit, accusing HYBE of jeopardizing the group’s wellbeing. Subsequently, NJZ announced the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR on November 28, citing significant breaches regarding artist protection.
Determined to advocate for their brand, the members disclosed their intention to pursue independent endeavors while maintaining their group identity. ADOR responded by filing a legal injunction in January 2025 to prevent the members from signing new advertising contracts pending the resolution of their contract disputes.
On February 7, 2025, the group officially rebranded as NJZ, paving the way for their debut as headliners at the upcoming Hong Kong music festival, ComplexCon, on March 23.
For additional details, you can refer to the original article here.