Amid escalating tensions between parent company HYBE and subsidiary agency ADOR, NewJeans made their first official appearance since the controversy to meet fans.
On May 21, NewJeans performed at the '2024 Korea On Stage - New Generation Concert' held at Heungnyemun Square in Gyeongbokgung Palace, Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. This event was organized by the Cultural Heritage Administration to celebrate its reestablishment as the National Heritage Administration.
Member Danielle served as the MC, fluently announcing the start of 'Korea On Stage' in both English and Korean. Dressed in a purple hanbok that matched the event's atmosphere, Danielle skillfully led the proceedings, engaging the audience and introducing the national heritage.
With enthusiastic applause from the audience, Danielle took the stage, saying, "I was born in Australia and grew up in Korea, and I have come to appreciate the greatness of our unique national heritage."
She continued, "Recently, NewJeans recorded guide audio introducing our beautiful heritage at the British Museum. As a K-pop artist, I am committed to promoting our culture."
NewJeans concluded the event with their performance. Following a pre-recorded stage of "Cool With You," The NewJeans members appeared in colorful hanboks, much to the fans' delight. Fans, waving bunny-shaped light sticks (NewJeans' fandom light stick), greeted them with cheers.
Starting with their hit song "Ditto," NewJeans performed "ETA" and "Super Shy." Although the youngest member, Hyein, couldn't join due to an injury, the group filled the stage with vibrant energy. The deepening conflict between HYBE and ADOR was not noticeable.
Haerin expressed, "We have performed in many places, but it's meaningful and an honor to perform at Gyeongbokgung Palace, a national heritage site." Minji added, "Our new album will be released on the 24th. I'm happy to perform in front of you all. Please love our new songs."
Fans from various generations gathered to support NewJeans. High school student Choi, a fan since winter 2022, said, "I became a fan because they achieved their dreams at my age. I came to the concert to support them."
Through a message sent on social media, another fan said, "'Daepyunim' (a term member Hani uses for ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin), thank you so much for taking care of NewJeans despite the difficulties. Please eat well, sleep well, and stay strong. The Bunnies are always by your side."
Kim, a fan in their 20s who has supported NewJeans since their debut, commented, "I'm happy about their comeback, but it's upsetting because the situation isn't good. Still, we are always supporting you, so don't worry."
Similarly, Ju, a fan in their 30s who liked NewJeans from their "Attention" debut, said, "I loved their fresh and bright concept since 'Attention.' Despite the unpleasant happenings, I came to the concert to show my trust and support."
HYBE has accused CEO Min Hee Jin and others, including Vice President 'S,' of attempting a hostile takeover and is pursuing Min's dismissal on charges including embezzlement. Min Hee Jin, in response, held a press conference denying the allegations and has filed for an injunction to prevent the exercise of voting rights. Amid this, revelations about the treatment and activities of NewJeans by both HYBE and ADOR have continued.
It has also been reported that the parents of NewJeans members have hired an entertainment dispute specialist lawyer and submitted a petition to the court expressing their wish to stay with CEO Min. Although the specific contents of the members' petition are unknown, it is widely believed to align with their parents' stance.
In a statement released on May 19, CEO Min clarified several issues raised by HYBE in court, stating, "We have grown closer through many experiences with NewJeans. No matter how much you may dislike me, if you think about the future of the members, you can't do this."
The ADOR extraordinary shareholders' meeting, where the agenda includes the replacement of Min and other executives, will be held on the 31st of this month.
NewJeans is set to make a comeback on May 24 with a double single. The title track is "How Sweet," and the B-side is "Bubble Gum,' for which the music video was released last month on the 27th.
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