Long Time No See, Haerin’: NewJeans Star Makes First Official Public Appearance in 18 Months
SEOUL, South Korea — NewJeans member Haerin has returned to the public spotlight, making her first official appearance before reporters in about 18 months as attention builds around the K-pop group's future.
Haerin attended a photocall for a luxury beauty brand at Lotte Department Store’s Jamsil branch in Seoul on September 7, marking her first official public appearance since returning to ADOR.
The appearance immediately drew attention from fans and entertainment media, coming after a prolonged period in which NewJeans' activities were disrupted by the group's highly publicized dispute with its agency.
‘I’m Haerin from NewJeans’
Haerin appeared at the event in a black dress paired with a white cardigan and greeted photographers and fans at the venue.
According to Maeil Business Newspaper, one particularly notable moment came when she introduced herself by saying, “I’m Haerin from NewJeans.” She also exchanged brief remarks with former figure skater Kim Yuna, who attended the same event.
Fans gathered at the venue welcomed Haerin with cheers, with reports describing an emotional response to seeing the singer return to an official public schedule after such a long absence.
Why the 18-month gap matters
Haerin's last appearance before reporters came during a court hearing in March 2025, when ADOR was seeking an injunction related to NewJeans' activities.
The group had become embroiled in a dispute with ADOR in late 2024 and subsequently attempted to pursue activities independently under the name NJZ.
A court later granted ADOR's request for an injunction restricting the members' independent activities, and the group subsequently halted those activities.
Haerin and fellow members Hanni and Hyein later confirmed their return to ADOR. Minji's situation has remained separate, with ADOR saying discussions concerning her future were continuing.
Haerin had already begun easing back into the spotlight
Although September 7 marked her first official public appearance before reporters in roughly 18 months, Haerin had not been completely absent from public-facing projects.
In August, she appeared on the cover of Marie Claire Korea's September issue in a collaboration with Dior Beauty.
That magazine project was widely viewed as an early sign that Haerin was beginning to resume individual activities following the prolonged agency dispute.
Her appearance at the Seoul beauty event therefore represents a further step from a magazine project back into an in-person public schedule.
Attention shifts to NewJeans' future
Haerin's return is particularly significant because it comes amid continuing speculation about the future direction of NewJeans.
Reports from Korean entertainment outlets have described the group as preparing to resume activities with four members following the contract developments involving Danielle, while the status of Minji has remained a subject of discussion.
That means Haerin's latest appearance is being watched not simply as a celebrity event, but as another indication that members of NewJeans are gradually returning to public activities.
Still, an individual appearance does not by itself confirm a specific comeback date, album or promotional schedule.
A carefully watched return
For fans who had seen little of Haerin during the group's long hiatus, the September 7 photocall represented a highly visible reunion with one of NewJeans' most recognizable members.
Her appearance also demonstrates how closely every public move by the members continues to be followed after the group's prolonged legal and management dispute.
For now, Haerin is back in front of the cameras.
But the bigger question is what her return means for NewJeans—and whether this quiet first step will be followed by the group's long-awaited next chapter.