Japanese model and former trainee Harin (real name Harada Rin) has been officially confirmed to have been part of the pre-debut lineup for the K-pop group NewJeans under ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE.
This revelation follows the release of her signed trainee contract, countering previous online skepticism regarding her affiliation with the group.
YouTube channel “Entertainment Undersecretary Lee Jin-ho” obtained and released a copy of the contract dated January 7, 2022, which includes Harin’s signature, her parents’ consent, and the official seal of Min Hee-jin, then-CEO of ADOR. The contract was set to run for one year, until January 6, 2023, but was unilaterally terminated just two months later.
Harin began her journey in 2020 as a successful auditionee at Source Music, later transferring to ADOR where she was selected as a pre-debut member of NewJeans.
In a July interview on a Japanese YouTube channel, she disclosed that her contract was abruptly canceled, and she was instructed to return to Japan without any clear explanation. Harin also revealed that she had her phone and iPad confiscated, and was barred from accessing her dormitory.
Lee Jin-ho, who revealed the contract, emphasized the importance of recognizing Harin’s perspective, stating, “What Harin wanted to clarify more than anything was simple: that she was, in fact, an officially signed trainee under ADOR.” He added that public backlash against her had been unwarranted and urged greater respect for individuals navigating difficult transitions in the entertainment industry.
Harin’s case has reignited discussions about transparency and fairness in trainee management within the K-pop system, particularly regarding communication and decision-making practices leading up to debut.
Sources: Nate
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