New Boy Group’s Name Sparks Shock And Disgust, Fans Demand Immediate Change
C9 Entertainment just announced the official name of their upcoming boy group, and the backlash was immediate.
The group — previously known as “C9 Rookies” during their time as trainees — will debut under the name NAZE (네이즈). The reveal has sparked massive shock and instant demands for a change.
Though it’s meant to be pronounced “nayz,” similar to the word “haze,” based on the Korean spelling, fans instantly picked up on its disturbing similarity to the word “Nazi.”
Many are calling the name tone-deaf and offensive, especially considering C9 Entertainment’s past controversies. The company was previously criticized for releasing a music video that allegedly included Holocaust references and Nazi imagery, which remained even after fans raised concerns. Now, fans are questioning whether this new name is a deliberate move to stir controversy and generate “noise marketing.”
PLEASE change that name, good lord.. https://t.co/Q5WIiR7fSU
— max #ThankYouPURPLEKISS (@loossembruh) August 4, 2025
revealed their official group name WHAT pic.twitter.com/JuGYewGXre https://t.co/bqZXmES2Eb
— vin (@himefront) August 4, 2025
Some believe this could be a PR stunt, accusing C9 of using outrage to create buzz.
the group name is 100% noise marketing because controversy is the only way c9 knows how to promote their groups https://t.co/7WgsO7DLKI
— thunder fever patient zero (@yerinfix) August 5, 2025
to as a company, name your new group “naze” when you have been called out before for releasing a song with references to the holocaust is absolutely beyond me like at that point yall just nazis
— vyri (@daemitajo) August 4, 2025
im sorry but i struggle to see that the same company that put out aots which was about shooting and burning jews and referenced a real pogrom (and left n*zi symbols in the mv even after being brought to light) naming their new group NAZE is a coincidence really
— ren ☁️ vote hanwen 🐶 (@hyunmuti) August 4, 2025
Meanwhile, NAZE comprises seven members: Kaisei, Younki, Ato, Turn, Yuya, Kimkun, and Dohyeok. All members are scheduled to appear as lead actors in a Japanese prime-time show airing on the major network TBS in 2026. Their music debut is expected soon after.
Despite the upcoming exposure, the group’s future is already overshadowed by the controversy. Fans are calling for an immediate name change, warning that this decision could damage the rookie boy group before they even begin.
