NewJeans Haerin Returns to Public Eye After Hiatus, Signaling Group's New Chapter

NewJeans' Haerin has made a highly anticipated return to public appearances after a significant hiatus of about 1 year and 6 months. Her recent attendance at a Dior brand event in Seoul marks her first official offline activity since confirming her return to ADOR, generating considerable buzz among fans and the media. This public re-emergence signals a new phase for both Haerin and the group, following a period of uncertainty and internal disputes.

Haerin, born Kang Haerin on May 15, 2006, debuted with NewJeans in August 2022 and has been a Dior Global Ambassador since her debut. Her long absence stemmed from a complex situation involving NewJeans and ADOR, which began in November 2024 when the group declared contract termination and attempted to operate as 'NJZ'. However, a court ruling in favor of ADOR's injunction led to a suspension of activities after March 2025. During this time, only Danielle reportedly received a contract termination notice from ADOR, leading to a de facto four-member configuration. Haerin, along with Hyein and Hanni, confirmed their return to ADOR in December 2025, with Haerin first sharing updates through a magazine photoshoot last month before her recent public event.

Local bloggers emphasize that Haerin's appearance at the Dior event, where she showcased her distinctive "cat-like visual" and mysterious aura, was not just a personal schedule but a significant indicator of NewJeans' impending full-scale return to external activities. Despite other prominent celebrities attending the event, Haerin garnered the most attention due to her prolonged absence from public engagements. The sequential return of members—Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni to ADOR, followed by Minji's appearance in recent official content—suggests the group is actively reorganizing and preparing for future activities as a four-member unit, bringing relief and anticipation to fans who had endured a period of concern.