Imagine launching your dream career, only to have your name become a lightning rod for controversy! C9 Entertainment just unveiled the name of their new boy group, and it's been met with a tidal wave of backlash that has fans screaming for a change.

The group, formerly known as “C9 Rookies” during their trainee days, will debut under the name NAZE (네이즈). While it’s intended to be pronounced like “nayz,” reminiscent of the word “haze,” fans immediately noted its unsettling similarity to the term “Nazi.” Talk about a PR disaster!

Many fans are labeling the name tone-deaf and offensive, especially considering C9 Entertainment’s history of controversies. The company has already faced criticism for a music video that allegedly included Holocaust references and Nazi imagery, which remained in the final cut even after fans expressed their concerns. Now, fans are left wondering whether this new group name is a calculated move to drum up controversy and generate what’s called “noise marketing.”

“PLEASE change that name, good lord..” tweeted one frustrated fan. The sentiment was echoed by others who suspect this could be a PR stunt, accusing C9 of using outrage as a tool to create buzz. “The group name is 100% noise marketing because controversy is the only way C9 knows how to promote their groups,” another fan commented.

One particularly pointed tweet read, “To name your new group ‘NAZE’ when you’ve previously been called out for releasing a song with Holocaust references is absolutely beyond me. At that point, you’re just asking for trouble.” Another fan weighed in, questioning the coincidence of this new name compared to the company’s past missteps.

Meanwhile, NAZE comprises seven talented members: Kaisei, Younki, Ato, Turn, Yuya, Kimkun, and Dohyeok, who are all set to appear as lead actors in a major Japanese prime-time show airing on TBS in 2026. Their music debut is expected soon after, but with such a heavy cloud of controversy hanging over them, their future looks uncertain. Fans are calling for an immediate name change, warning that this decision could tarnish the rookie boy group’s reputation before they even get started.