NewJeans Declares 'Surrender' After 1 Year and 7 Months: A Humiliating U-turn or a Stepping Stone?

Group NewJeans has made another mark in K-pop history by announcing their return after a prolonged dispute. This decision comes approximately 1 year and 7 months after the press conference held by Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of ADOR.

While there are welcoming voices, the return is also being described as a 'humiliating U-turn' after a legal defeat in their contract termination dispute, which stemmed from a breakdown in trust.

Unlike Haerin and Hyein, who chose to return after close discussions with their agency ADOR, it appears that Minji, Hanni, and Danielle unilaterally announced their return without prior agreement, casting a shadow over the team's image. This is seen as a hasty move driven by the fear of following the path of the disbanded group FIFTY FIFTY.

The core of this situation is analyzed as a narrative of greed stemming from 'excessive selfishness.' The music industry points out that former CEO Min Hee-jin, despite having the opportunity to secure stock options worth hundreds of billions of won, used the members out of greater ambition. Furthermore, the NewJeans members and their families are criticized for being swayed by a 'bad senior' figure, joining the dispute and revealing their greed, ultimately leading to their 'surrender' in the face of legal defeat.

NewJeans faces numerous challenges ahead. The group became a target of public ridicule following Min Hee-jin's shocking press conference, NewJeans members' emergency press conference, and court appearances last year. Criticisms related to fellow HYBE label artists ILLIT and LE SSERAFIM, and the perceived unilateral return announcement by three members, are significant hurdles the group must overcome.

It is widely believed that NewJeans needs a period of 'sincere self-reflection' to restore its tarnished image. Before releasing new music and returning to the stage, a clear repentance for deceiving the public, displaying greed, and disregarding others is necessary. Claims are being made that meaningful good deeds, such as participating in volunteer work, should precede their comeback.

Moreover, NewJeans is set for an 'uncomfortable coexistence' with groups like ILLIT and LE SSERAFIM, with whom they experienced unpleasant incidents. Harmony with internal artists and related parties is another issue that needs to be resolved.

A music industry official commented, "For the sake of K-pop's development, NewJeans must succeed spectacularly. HYBE should provide an opportunity for the members to recover their physical and mental health, and the members must clearly reflect on the fatigue they have caused the public. Releasing an album and engaging in economic activities immediately would be the worst possible move."

Despite the initial syndrome NewJeans created upon debut, they have reportedly missed their 'golden time' for too long. During this period, new artists have emerged, and competing groups have grown stronger. In the fast-paced K-pop scene, NewJeans has lost significant time. Nevertheless, many predict their potential for success. The public tends to forgive 'first-time offenders' if they offer a sincere apology, even after major mistakes.

Another music industry insider emphasized, "If they sincerely repent their mistakes instead of making flimsy excuses, the public will forgive them. After a clear apology, if they portray a growth narrative with excellent music and performances like before, NewJeans can regain its former glory."

Netizens are reacting with comments like 'So they're coming back now?', 'They should have done this sooner,' and 'They just have to show it through their music,' indicating they will be watching NewJeans' future activities.