Amid the legal fiasco between Min Hee Jin (민희진) and HYBE, it appears the NewJeans (뉴진스) members are quietly preparing for a comeback. However, the origin of this detail has sparked major backlash on social media.
Over the weekend, a social media page shared screenshots of CCTV footage showing NewJeans members Hyein (혜인), Haerin (해린) and Hanni (하니) inside a dance studio in London. The footage shows the trio practising, sparking rumours that the group is preparing to make their comeback. However, the footage also drew suspicion as many speculated about its origins.
Many argued that someone purposely leaked the CCTV footage, sparking a debate about a serious privacy breach. Some fans also debated the legality of the situation because of member Hyein’s appearance, arguing that unauthorised publication of footage involving a minor is illegal in the United Kingdom, especially if it breaches privacy.
As a result, fans have reached out to the London dance studio, demanding an explanation about the CCTV footage. In its statement, the studio denied having any involvement with the leak, clarifying that the individual responsible was someone undertaking an internship at the time. The individual has since been terminated and reported to the police.
Despite the explanation, some fans still expressed anger with the situation, especially towards ADOR and HYBE’s response. Some even speculated that the leak may have been an intentional move on HYBE’s part to possibly steer the public’s attention away from the recent Min Hee Jin lawsuit situation.
As of now, most users have taken down their posts with the footage after the public outrage. However, the incident left fans frustrated with ADOR, wondering about NewJeans’ safety in the future under the agency.
