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The reorganization into a 4-member system of the girl group NEWJEANS is taking shape.
This comes as the possibility of a joining of the leader MINJI, whose future remained uncertain until the end, is evoked, following the confirmation of the return of HANNI, HAERIN, and HYEIN to ADOR. The final point of this exclusive contract conflict which lasted two long years seems to be set under the name of “NEWJEANS at 4 members,” but behind this are hidden complex threads to untangle.
On May 7, the possibility of an integration into the team was mentioned following the publication of a post commemorating MINJI’s birthday on the official social networks of NEWJEANS. The photo published with the mention “Happy Minji Day” shows MINJI in the process of preparing cookies herself. While it was revealed recently that MINJI had surprised fans by visiting a birthday cafe prepared by them to deliver homemade cookies, four-pose photos, and handwritten letters, the revelation of these behind-the-scenes moments via the official channel of ADOR has reinforced the possibility of a return of MINJI within the team.
Regarding this, ADOR expressed its position concerning the hitherto uncertain future of MINJI by stating: “Discussions are continuing in a generally positive direction.” Unlike HANNI, HAERIN, and HYEIN who had decided on a quick return just after losing their lawsuit last November and December, MINJI’s decision required 5 additional months and is not yet totally finalized.
MINJI’s long reflection does not seem unrelated to the responsibility she must have felt as the leader and pillar member of the team. She is a figure who actively presented herself before the public to express her position during the process of the conflict over the exclusive contract. Having assumed the heaviest burden regarding the direction of the team and the choices of the members, the decision-making process regarding her return was probably not easy.
Nevertheless, if MINJI joins NEWJEANS, this will constitute an important stepping stone for a new flight of the group. Protecting even one more original member can act as a favorable condition for its identity and the cohesion of the fandom. However, the emotional burden of having to resume activities as a leader with the wound of the collapse of the full group remains a challenge to be met.
NEWJEANS’ greatest charm resided not only in its iconic music, but also in the solid and healthy friendship of these five young girls. However, following the departure of DANIELLE from the team due to the conflict over the exclusive contract, the narrative of the full group, which was the major asset of NEWJEANS, has suffered an inevitable blow.
DANIELLE occupied a central axis of NEWJEANS’ music with her unique vocal timbre and visual. The question is whether the 4-member system without her will be able to maintain existing colors while avoiding giving an impression of lack to the public and the fandom.
With these challenges in hand, NEWJEANS has begun to draw the outlines of its resumption of activities. HANNI, HAERIN, and HYEIN traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark, last month to begin pre-production of the new album. The agency explained this as “a process to integrate the new musical narrative of NEWJEANS.” The pressure is higher than ever for the result of the work carried out in Copenhagen to be impactful enough to fill the absence of DANIELLE and turn the public’s gaze once again from the conflict toward the music.
To do this, the priority is that the joining of MINJI goes beyond the stage of positive discussion to lead to a final confirmation. In order for the 4-member system including MINJI to possess a new persuasive force without losing the original colors of NEWJEANS, it will have to demonstrate a degree of perfection capable of compensating for the void left after the conflict, as much in terms of music, concept, as the overall message of the team. Attention is focused on the form that their new narrative found in Copenhagen will take after the painful trials of the exclusive contract conflict.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS NEWJEANS
