NewJeans has been making headlines recently, not just for their impressive fourth debut anniversary celebrations but also for whispers of an impending return to the K-Pop scene. However, a prominent Korean media outlet has added a significant layer to this narrative, suggesting that an apology is in order before the group attempts their next comeback.
The Demand for an Apology Takes Center Stage
The discussion was sparked on July 26, when Sports Seoul reporter Lee Seung Rok published a powerful opinion piece. In his article, Rok posited that the most crucial element missing from NewJeans’ potential return wasn’t the former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, but rather a profound and sincere apology directed at the public and all those impacted by the group’s actions during the protracted contract dispute.
On July 26, Sports Seoul reporter Lee Seung Rok published an opinion piece claiming the most important thing missing from NewJeans’ return was not former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, but a sincere apology to the public and those affected by the group’s actions during its ongoing contract dispute.
The article didn’t shy away from acknowledging NewJeans’ meteoric rise to global K-Pop stardom. Yet, it critically pointed out that their remarkable success was fundamentally built upon the foundational support of ADOR, HYBE, and the broader K-Pop industry itself. It then went on to directly criticize the members for making comments that were perceived as undermining this very industry, even as they continued to reap the benefits of its infrastructure and reach.
The article argued that while NewJeans had become one of K-Pop’s biggest global acts, their success was built with the support of ADOR, HYBE, and the wider K-Pop industry. It criticized the members for making comments that it said undermined the industry while continuing to benefit from it.
The opinion piece specifically recalled the group’s interview with TIME magazine, where the members shared their views on the K-Pop industry’s problems. They reportedly stated they never expected these issues to change overnight, subtly hinting that “this is the reality in Korea,” and expressing a sentiment that Korea seemed to want to cast them as “revolutionaries.” These remarks, according to the reporter, drew significant attention and scrutiny.
This may be the current reality of Korea. But that’s why we believe change and growth are necessary. It feels like Korea is trying to turn us into revolutionaries.
— NewJeans for TIME
According to reporter Lee Seung Rok, NewJeans has yet to address or clarify these specific comments, despite the ongoing legal proceedings that have kept the dispute in the public eye.
Ripple Effects: Artists, Staff, and Unaddressed Hurt
Beyond the industry-level critique, the Sports Seoul article also asserted that other artists suffered collateral damage during the contentious dispute. It highlighted the particular case of Hanni’s appearance at the National Assembly regarding her workplace harassment allegations. The article claimed that the intense public attention surrounding this specific case inadvertently led to other innocent idols becoming targets of criticism and speculation, thus expanding the scope of those affected.
In doing so, they effectively condemned not only the country but the K-pop system as a whole.
— Sports Seoul
The article also claimed other artists were hurt during the dispute. It pointed to Hanni’s appearance at the National Assembly over her workplace harassment allegations, saying the public attention surrounding the case led to other idols becoming targets of criticism.
Furthermore, the piece critiqued the NewJeans members for their silence when former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin publicly mentioned other groups during the dispute. It emphasized that despite these artists being fellow HYBE labelmates, the NewJeans members never expressed any regret or acknowledgement of the potential harm caused by these mentions.
The opinion piece went a step further, arguing that ADOR and HYBE employees, who work tirelessly behind the scenes, were largely overlooked and their efforts disregarded during the conflict. It brought up previous statements made by the members when they announced they were leaving ADOR, which included pointed comments questioning HYBE’s genuine care for NewJeans and descriptions labeling the company as “inhumane.”
The opinion piece further argued that ADOR and HYBE employees were overlooked during the conflict. It referenced statements made by the members when they announced they were leaving ADOR, including comments questioning whether HYBE truly cared about NewJeans and describing the company as inhumane.
The reporter stressed that such remarks undoubtedly impacted the morale and reputation of the dedicated employees who had worked diligently behind the scenes to help NewJeans achieve its current success.
A Path to Reconciliation?
Finally, the Sports Seoul article concluded by outlining the expected future. Following the recent court rulings, NewJeans is now anticipated to return to ADOR, and crucially, will continue to rely on many of the same staff members for their management, album production, and overall success. Given this reality, the article’s ultimate argument is clear: the members should first offer a sincere apology to both the public and to those they have undeniably hurt before resuming any activities. This, it suggests, is essential for a true and respectful return.
Having received no apology from the members, those staff members are now expected to quietly devote themselves to NewJeans once again. It is difficult to imagine the sense of disappointment and frustration they must feel.
— Sports Seoul
Finally, the article argued that after the court rulings, NewJeans is now expected to return to ADOR while relying on many of the same staff members for management and album production. It concluded that the members should first apologize to both the public and those they hurt before resuming activities.
