On November 12, ADOR officially revealed that members Haerin and Hyein had resumed activities with the label. The remaining members have also expressed their intent to return, signaling the end of a months-long legal dispute that began in November 2024. While this news has sparked emotion and excitement among NewJeans fans, others within the fandom ecosystem, particularly those who support LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT, have responded with cold skepticism.
ADOR had filed a lawsuit on December 5, 2024 in the Seoul Central District Court to confirm the validity of NewJeans’ exclusive contracts. During the proceeding, NewJeans presented several arguments that generated considerable controversy.
A key point raised was “ILLIT plagiarized NewJeans.”
In April 2024, Min Hee-jin publicly accused ILLIT agency, Belift Lab (a subsidiary of HYBE), of copying NewJeans’ concept citing poster, choreography, tone and overall mannerisms. However, the court rejected this argument due to the lack of substantial evidence and the absence of formal legal action by the Min.
Another accusation stated that “NewJeans has been treated unfairly compared to other HYBE girl groups such as LE SSERAFIM.”
In March 2025, NewJeans representatives specifically named LE SSERAFIM, claiming that HYBE did not fulfill its promise to debut NewJeans as ADOR’s first girl group. After the evaluation of NewJeans’ debut in March 2021, they stated that the group was sidelined until September, during which SSERAFIM made their debut. In response, Source Music released an official statement on March 7, 2025, denying any delay or discrimination and affirming full support for NewJeans’ debut.
These statements during the legal conflict led to strong resentment between LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT fans. Many fans now consider NewJeans’ unapologetic return to be fake. Comments like “They dragged others to their peak and now they act like nothing happened” and “Shouldn’t they apologize first?” reflect the current mood on social media and fan forums.
While NewJeans may have legally resolved their issues and are ready for a new chapter, they may face a prolonged public relations challenge, particularly in repairing trust with other fandoms within the HYBE family.
Sources: Daum
