NewJeans’ comeback to proceed amid HYBE, ADOR clash — report

NewJeans members (from left) Hanni, Hyein, Danielle, Haerin, Minji. Image: NewJeans’ official website

NewJeans — composed of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein — will move ahead with their plans to release new music and additional group schedules, despite the ongoing power struggle between their label All Doors One Room (ADOR) and K-pop giant HYBE.

HYBE and its sub-label ADOR made headlines after the K-pop giant called for an audit of the sub-agency’s management, with reports saying there are calls for its CEO to resign from her position. This caused Min to hit back, and accuse HYBE and sub-label Belift Lab of copying NewJeans’ concept with newly-debuted quintet ILLIT.

As of press time, the rift led to a stream of events, including protest trucks in support of the “Super Shy” hitmakers outside HYBE’s headquarters and an alleged statement from the K-pop giant’s CEO Park Ji-won telling employees to “work hard” which is making rounds on Korean forums.

READ: ILLIT brings ‘positive energy’ with own brand of music

Despite this, Korean media outlet Korea JoongAng Daily said the female quintet’s upcoming comeback in May will forge ahead, while citing an insider source, saying Min must do so.

“NewJeans will make a comeback in Korea with a new single in May — whether or not ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin cooperates with HYBE,” said the report. “She must push ahead according to the schedule, as well as the duty of HYBE.”

Neither ADOR nor HYBE themselves have yet to address the report, as of this writing.

The female quintet is set to make a comeback on May 24 with a single album, which includes the tracks “How Sweet” and “Bubble Gum.” The lattermost song will first be released as a promotional single for a Japanese shampoo brand in April.

NewJeans will then make their Japan debut on June 21 with the tracks “Supernatural” and “Right Now,” before holding a fan meet in the country.

The five-member group debuted in July 2022 with the single “Attention” which is considered revolutionary at the time, as there were no concept teasers or highlight medleys leading up to the release.

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