"I felt bad that her answer became a meme": Reporter allegedly mocked by Minji responds to incident following NewJeans' reported return to ADOR

On Friday, November 14, The Fact reporter, Choi Hyun-jung, who was previously allegedly mocked by NewJeans' Minji during their emergency press conference last year, released a news article addressing the incident, following the recent announcement that NewJeans will be returning to ADOR.

For those who are unaware, during an emergency press conference that NewJeans held in November 2024 to announce their contract termination with, Choi Hyun-jung was one of the many reporters gathered at the venue. As the members revealed their decision, the reporter criticized the termination of notice without legal action. As a response to this, Minji allegedly mocked the reporter with the following sentence:

"We’re terminating the contract because HYBE and ADOR breached the contract. Do you understand now?”

Most recently, following the statement released by the members on November 13 that they will be continuing their activities under ADOR, the reporter released an article stating that he was not offended by the remark, but has only been supportively looking forward to NewJeans' return to ADOR and their activities as music artists. Here's what the reporter's article read:

“‘Do you truly understand?’ This is what I heard from NJZ’s Minji at a press conference last year. I never expected that a year later, I would be saying the same thing to them. While some may doubt Minji, Hanni, and Danielle’s sincerity, I want to believe what they wrote at the end of their statement: We will continue to return with sincere music and performances.'"

The reporter continued,

"I truly mean it. Since their emergency press conference last year, I’ve always hoped for a smooth return to their activities. When Minji asked, ‘Do you understand?’, my first thought was, ‘Honestly, I don’t understand, but is that really ok?’ Furthermore, I felt bad that her answer became a meme, being brought up in every NJZ-related issue. Beyond that, I had no other thoughts or feelings.”

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NewJeans members release a statement announcing their return to ADOR following lawsuit loss

In November 2024, soon after NewJeans' press conference that announced their departure from HYBE and ADOR, the agency filed a lawsuit against the artists to confirm the validity of their contract. After almost a year, on October 30, the court ruled in favor of ADOR, stating that NewJeans' evidence for mistreatment and mismanagement is insufficient.

Though NewJeans filed an appeal regarding the verdict, as of November 13, all the members confirmed their sincere return to ADOR. Haerin and Hyein were the first to confirm their return to the agency through a statement released by ADOR on November 12:

"NewJeans members Haerin and Hyein have expressed to us their intentions to continue their activities with ADOR. After careful consideration with their families and lengthy discussions with the agency, the two members have decided to respect the court’s ruling and follow their exclusive contract."

The agency continued,

"ADOR will do its best to help Haerin and Hyein continue their entertainment activities without issue. We ask for your warm support and respectfully ask that you refrain from speculations about the members. Thank you."

Most recently, on November 13, the other three members, Minjin, Danielle, and Hanni, also released a statement confirming their return.

"Recently, after careful consideration, we have decided to return to ADOR. One of us is currently in Antarctica, so the delivery of our stance was delayed, but since ADOR has not stated anything, we have been forced to share our position separately. We will continue to show you our sincere music and performances. Thank you."

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Therefore, fans and netizens have been looking forward to the possible comeback of the K-pop girl group following a year-long hiatus.

Edited by Aishwarya Sai