Recently, all members of NJZ (NewJeans) have revealed that they have returned to ADOR.
NewJeans’ Haerin And Hyein Will Continue Activities With ADOR
NJZ’s (NewJeans) Danielle, Minji, And Hanni Also Confirmed To Return To ADOR
However, this has sparked a dispute over their return to the industry.
NJZ emerged as K-Pop “innovators” and proclaimed themselves to be “revolutionaries.” However, after their year-long dispute, their “revolution” ended as they returned to ADOR. With this, K-media outlets are expecting an apology from the group, as their past actions have severely damaged the public’s trust.
An apology to the K-Pop industry
NJZ did not become stars alone. They rose to the top through the vast capital and production capabilities of the K-Pop industry. However, during the dispute, they expressed a negative attitude towards the K-Pop system to justify their attempt to escape ADOR.
They previously criticized the K-Pop industry in foreign media interviews, disparaging the system that had been the foundation of their wealth and success.
NJZ (NewJeans) Past Interview On The K-Pop Industry Resurfaces, Triggers Massive Backlash
An apology to the South Korean Judiciary
NJZ’ response to the court’s ruling also caused controversy online.
Previously, Hanni appeared before the National Assembly to complain about “workplace bullying” and requested institutional remedies from the state. However, when the court put the brakes on their independent activities, they changed their position. They expressed disappointment with the judiciary’s decision because their demands were not met.
In their TIME interview, they also expressed their dissatisfaction with the court’s decision to grant the injunction.
An apology to colleagues
K-Media agrees that the attitude of former CEO Min Hee Jin towards fellow artists was the most disappointing. During a press conference, she openly mentioned other groups under HYBE, including LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT, dragging them into the dispute.
NJZ also attempted to justify their attempts to terminate their contracts by belittling their fellow artists. This resulted in a negative public image of the fellow artists, with their human rights and reputation completely disregarded.
This led to criticism of the group emphasizing their own rights when necessary and ignoring colleagues’ rights when it was at a disadvantage.
Many feel that before they return to the stage, they must sincerely seek understanding, and without an apology, it will be difficult for the public to accept them.
K-netizens agreed that an apology must be made before any official promotions.
- “Just don’t apologize and don’t come back. I hate it more that they will mess around after making an apology.”
- “I guess they think they’ve done nothing wrong…and yet they talk about heartfelt music…”
- “Don’t just write a handwritten letter…hold a press conference with reporters.”
- “Isn’t it a given to apologize if they are human?”
- “It’s going to be so annoying for them to say, ‘But we apologized?’ so just don’t do it.”
- “They also ruined the country’s reputation…”
- “I get so mad whenever I see them.”