Despite the announcement of their return, the girl group’s return New Jeans continues to be discussed. With members involved in legal disputes with their agency I LOVE IT Over the past year, fans and industry insiders alike have questioned the integrity and harmony behind their reunion. Here are three reasons why skepticism persists despite the official return announcement.
1. Why did they return separately: 2 against 3?
Haerin and Hyein were the first to make their return. On November 12, ADOR revealed that both had made a careful decision, with input from the family, to honor their exclusive contracts in line with court rulings.
This move wasn’t inherently strange. Since they are minors, it is likely that their families had a strong influence. However, confusion arose when Minji, Danielle, and Hanni separately filed their returns about two and a half hours later, and not through ADOR but through a law firm.
Their side explained it one member was in Antarctica, causing communications delays, and claimed that ADOR had not responded, prompting them to act independently. However, reports suggest that they notified ADOR on the same day. ADOR, caught by surprise, refrained from a public statement, stating that they were “they are still trying to figure out their true intentions.”
Unlike Haerin and Hyein, the trio did not follow a transparent or unified repatriation process. Timing is also key: November 13 was the last day to appeal the lost cause. It seems that Haerin and Hyein sought reconciliation early on, while the other three held out until the end.
2. Why did Minji, Danielle and Hanni decide to return?
The trio said: “We discussed carefully and decided to return to ADOR.” However, neither Haerin, Hyein, nor ADOR would be involved in these discussions.
Previously, their legal representatives had indicated their intention to appeal, clearly rejecting the first court ruling. But with the public return of Haerin and Hyein, the remaining three were left isolated. Throughout the ordeal, they maintained that their decisions were autonomous and independent statements that contradicted rumors of manipulation by former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin.
This situation draws parallels with the FIFTY FIFTY scandal, in which member Keena’s solo return exposed the full extent of the agency’s conflict. There is growing speculation that Haerin and Hyein may also shed light on tensions behind the scenes.
If they testify against Min Hee-jin during the ongoing legal battles, their words could heavily influence the outcome. On the other hand, if the other three continue to maintain their previous position, public sentiment could turn against them further. Their decision to return, in the end, may have been the only viable option left.
3. Can NewJeans function as a five-member group without conflict?
The return announcement itself raised alarm bells. 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 calls into question the sincerity of their return. Legal experts have already said that an appeal is highly unlikely to overturn the initial ruling, which raises the question the three are simply returning because they have run out of options?
If true reconciliation is lacking upon their return, internal discord may persist. This might even jeopardize Haerin and Hyein’s restored trust with ADOR. Despite the group’s official reunion, there are fears that further unrest could occur behind the scenes.
ADOR stated on November 13: “We are currently arranging one-on-one meetings with each member and will do our best to facilitate smooth discussions.” Yet, just like that New Jeans were about to make a full comeback, their agency once again faces a delicate balancing act.
Furthermore, New Jeansonce seen as icons of purity and youth, they now face a much more complicated public perception.
Sources: Daum
