On November 12, ADOR officially revealed that members Haerin and Hyein had resumed activities with the label. The remaining members also expressed their intent to return, signaling the end of a months-long legal dispute that began in November 2024. While this news sparked emotion and excitement among NewJeans fans, others within the fandom ecosystem particularly those supporting LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT have responded with cold skepticism.
ADOR had filed a lawsuit on December 5, 2024, at the Seoul Central District Court to confirm the validity of NewJeans’ exclusive contracts. During the proceedings, NewJeans presented several arguments that stirred considerable controversy.
One key point raised was “ILLIT plagiarized NewJeans.”
In April 2024, Min Hee-jin publicly accused ILLIT’s agency, Belift Lab (a HYBE subsidiary), of copying NewJeans’ concept citing posters, choreography, and overall tone and manner. However, the court dismissed this argument due to a lack of substantial evidence and the absence of formal legal action from Min.
Another accusation stated that “NewJeans was unfairly treated compared to other HYBE girl groups like LE SSERAFIM.”
In March 2025, NewJeans’ representatives specifically named LE SSERAFIM, alleging that HYBE did not honor its promise to debut NewJeans as ADOR’s first girl group. After NewJeans’ debut evaluation in March 2021, they claimed the group was sidelined until September, during which LE SSERAFIM made their debut. In response, Source Music issued an official statement on March 7, 2025, denying any delay or discrimination and asserting full support for NewJeans’ debut.
These statements during the legal conflict have led to strong resentment among the fanbases of LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT. Many fans now view NewJeans’ return without an apology as insincere. Comments such as “They dragged others down at their peak and now act like nothing happened” and “Shouldn’t they apologize first?” reflect the current mood on social media and fan forums.
Though NewJeans may have legally resolved their issues and are poised for a new chapter, they may face a prolonged public relations challenge, particularly in mending trust with other fandoms within the HYBE family.
Sources: Daum
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