On July 22, NewJeans’ official channel released a heartfelt video titled “NewJeansDay. We Are NewJeans” to mark the group’s third debut anniversary.
The footage, however, held a bittersweet undertone as it featured the members’ pre-debut moments radiating excitement, innocence, and dreams contrasted starkly by their current stalled activities and legal woes.
In the video, the girls gathered around a cake to celebrate their impending debut back in 2022. Haerin expressed disbelief and curiosity about how the public would react: “It doesn’t feel real yet. It’ll be so different to actually show what we do to so many people and see their reactions.” Minji shared her enthusiasm, saying: “I want our songs to spread quickly. I hope people can always watch and listen to NewJeans whenever they miss us. That way, they’ll keep us around for a long time.”
Behind-the-scenes footage from May 11, 2022, also showed their music video shoot. Hyein fondly recalled dancing at an amusement park: “That was genuine happiness.” Hanni admitted: “It was hard dancing outdoors for the first time and chasing the camera, but we had so much fun I forgot to call my parents and got scolded.”
When asked how they wanted to be perceived by the public, the girls responded earnestly: “We want to be seen as friends. We’re just like everyone else.”
The video now holds greater meaning for fans as NewJeans’ activities remain on pause. In November 2023, the members sought to terminate their contracts with ADOR, citing broken trust after former CEO Min Hee-jin’s alleged unfair dismissal.
ADOR responded with legal action, and the court sided with the label—any solo activities without consent could cost each member 1 billion KRW (~$770,000). A full trial over the contract’s validity is underway, with the third hearing set for July 24.
As the legal battle continues, fans are left reminiscing through earlier, more innocent moments of the group, now laced with emotional weight.
Nate
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