NewJeans has returned after more than a year, with Harin and Hyein signaling a return to Adore, a Hybe label, fueling interest in a full-group activity as fans react online. On the 12th, when the news broke that Harin and Hyein were returning to Adore, social media posts included comments like “Glad to see NewJeans again,” “We can hear new NewJeans songs now,” and “Please make a quick comeback.” Overseas fans welcomed the news, with comments such as “NEWJEANS IS FIVE!!!” and messages hoping Adore treats them well and that fans can see them again.

However, reactions calling for an apology also appeared. An online post from the previous day carried the title claiming that Hybe’s returning figures Harin and Hyein should apologize. One author wrote that Harin, Le Sserafim, Ailit, and other Hybe-affiliated idols, staffers, and former executives should apologize, and questioned why a post telling NewJeans to apologize to Le Sserafim and Ailit would lead to calls for Hybe to apologize, arguing that Hybe documents and the trouble faced by Le Sserafim and Ailit due to NewJeans are separate issues. The post went on to say that those who harmed other idols should apologize, and questioned why NewJeans’ supporters think those acts deserved no accountability.

The piece notes that the author also wrote about additional questions, including how “other idols harmed should be apologized to,” “there should be accountability if there were false statements to parliamentary inquiry,” and that “other idols who faced backlash because of NewJeans are unfortunate, and one might wonder if they are innocent victims.”

Previously, Harin and Hyein publicly confirmed Adore’s comeback on the 12th. Minji, Hani, and Daniel also announced their return on the same day, but Adore said it was still verifying the sincerity of the three members’ intentions.

NewJeans had claimed in November of last year that Adore had violated their contract and sought to operate independently under the NJZ name. They alleged that Hybe discriminated against NewJeans compared with LE SSERAFIM and Ailit, and that NewJeans’ concept was copied. Adore filed a lawsuit seeking a declaration of the contract’s validity and an injunction to block independent activities; the court granted Adore’s injunction in May and ruled in Adore’s favor at the end of last month. NewJeans said they would appeal immediately, but a day before the filing deadline they announced their intention to return to Adore.