Despite the announcement of their return, the comeback of girl group NewJeans continues to spark debate. With the members embroiled in legal disputes with their agency ADOR over the past year, fans and insiders alike are questioning the integrity and harmony behind their reunion. Here are three reasons why skepticism persists despite the official comeback announcement.
1. Why Did They Return Separately: 2 vs 3?
Haerin and Hyein were the first to make their return. On November 12, ADOR revealed that both had made a careful decision, with family input, to honor their exclusive contracts in line with court rulings.
This move wasn’t inherently strange. Given that they are minors, their families likely had a strong influence. However, confusion set in when Minji, Danielle, and Hanni released their return statement separately approximately two and a half hours later, and not through ADOR but via a law firm.
Their side explained that one member was in Antarctica, causing communication delays, and claimed that ADOR had not responded, prompting them to act independently. However, reports suggest they did notify ADOR on the same day. ADOR, caught off guard, refrained from a public statement, saying they were “still trying to understand their true intentions.”
In contrast to Haerin and Hyein, the trio did not go through a transparent or unified return process. The timing of this is also key November 13 was the last day to file an appeal against their lost lawsuit. It appears Haerin and Hyein sought reconciliation early, while the other three held out until the end.
2. Why Did Minji, Danielle, and Hanni Decide to Return?
The trio stated, “We carefully discussed and decided to return to ADOR.” However, neither Haerin, Hyein, nor ADOR were reportedly involved in these discussions.
Previously, their legal reps indicated intent to appeal, clearly rejecting the first court ruling. But with Haerin and Hyein publicly returning, the remaining three were left isolated. Throughout the ordeal, they maintained their decisions were autonomous and independent statements contradicting rumors of manipulation by former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin.
This situation draws parallels to the FIFTY FIFTY scandal, where member Keena’s solo return exposed the full scope of the agency conflict. There’s growing speculation that Haerin and Hyein may also shed light on behind-the-scenes tensions.
If they testify against Min Hee-jin during ongoing legal battles, their words could heavily influence the outcome. On the flip side, if the other three continue to stick with their previous stance, public sentiment could further turn against them. Their decision to return, ultimately, may have been the only viable option left.
3. Can NewJeans Function as a Five-Member Group Without Conflict?
The comeback announcement itself raised red flags. There is a noticeable difference in tone between Haerin & Hyein and the other three, especially considering that the trio is older and makes up the majority.
This discrepancy casts doubt on the sincerity of their return. Legal experts have already stated that it’s highly unlikely an appeal would overturn the initial ruling, which raises the question are the three merely returning because they’ve run out of options?
If their return lacks genuine reconciliation, internal discord may persist. This could even jeopardize Haerin and Hyein’s reestablished trust with ADOR. Despite the group’s official reunion, there’s a lingering fear that more turmoil may unfold behind the scenes.
ADOR stated on November 13, “We are currently arranging individual meetings with each member and will do our best to facilitate smooth discussions.” Still, just as NewJeans were about to make a full return, their agency is once again facing a delicate balancing act.
Moreover, NewJeans, once seen as icons of purity and youthfulness now face a public perception that’s far more complicated.
Sources: Daum
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