NewJeans member Haerin has made her long-awaited return to the public eye, marking her first official offline public appearance in roughly 18 months.
On September 7, 2026, the idol attended a high-profile beauty brand photocall event for Dior Beauty held at the Lotte Department Store’s Jamsil branch in Songpa-gu, Seoul.
Serving as a global ambassador for the luxury brand, Haerin amazed press representatives and fans alike as she stepped onto the event’s photo wall dressed in an elegant black tweed dress paired with a white cardigan.
The occasion marked a significant moment for both the artist and her supporters, as it represents her first official offline public event since returning to her agency, ADOR, following a prolonged legal dispute over exclusive contracts.
Upon arriving at the venue, Haerin warmly greeted the gathered crowd, explicitly introducing herself to the press and audience by saying:
“NewJeans’ Haerin.”
Her introduction immediately drew enthusiastic cheers from the crowd of fans gathered at the location, many of whom shouted,
“We missed you!”
Acknowledging the affection and support from the audience, Haerin responded with a warm smile and added:
“Thank you.”
The photocall event was additionally attended by several other high-profile brand ambassadors and Korean celebrities, including former Olympic figure skater Kim Yuna, actor Nam Joo Hyuk, actress Shin Ye Eun, actor Kim Jae Won, and Red Velvet’s Joy.
Background of the Exclusive Contract Dispute and ADOR Return Timeline
Haerin’s extended absence from official public events traces back to November 2024, when the members of NewJeans formally notified ADOR of their intention to terminate their exclusive contracts.
The dispute led to a lengthy legal battle regarding the validity of their contractual obligations.
In October 2025, the first-instance court ruled in favor of ADOR, determining that the exclusive contracts remained legally binding and valid.
Following the judicial verdict, the members began returning to the agency sequentially:
- November 2025- Haerin and fellow member Hyein officially resumed their contractual relationship with ADOR.
- December 2025- Hanni completed her return to ADOR shortly thereafter.
- December 2025- ADOR officially notified Danielle of the formal termination of her exclusive contract, concluding her time as a member of the group.
- Ongoing Status- Member Minji has been in ongoing discussions regarding her contractual status, though she notably participated in a fourth-anniversary film project released by the group on July 22.
Resumption of Individual and Group Activities
Haerin’s appearance at the Dior Beauty photocall event follows her initial step back into the entertainment spotlight last month.
In August 2026, Marie Claire Korea revealed Haerin as the cover star for its September 2026 issue, marking her very first solo magazine cover pictorial since returning to ADOR.
With Haerin now actively making offline public appearances and participating in high-fashion ambassador schedules, industry observers and fans are eagerly watching the gradual resumption of activities for the four-member lineup.
Her public greeting as “NewJeans’ Haerin” has further fueled expectations for upcoming group projects and official music releases under ADOR in the near future.
