On April 4, the parents of the members of NJZ (NewJeans) released a joint statement via a social media account, denying recent reports suggesting a rift among them. "The claims made by some media outlets that there is division among the members' parents are completely untrue. We are releasing this statement to correct the misunderstanding," they said.
The parents emphasized, "All five members firmly believe they cannot return to HYBE, and this decision was made after thorough discussions with their respective families. From the beginning, we agreed not to pursue any legal action unless all five members were in full agreement. The members deeply trust and stand united with each other. They continue to hold this stance, and we, as their parents, fully respect and unwaveringly support their decisions."
Addressing the so-called "division rumors," they added, "We felt there was a deliberate attempt by someone to create division, which is why we initially felt it was not worth responding. However, as specific members' names began to be mentioned, we felt compelled to speak out." They also clarified, "The rumors involving member Haerin are entirely false. Haerin and her parents are completely aligned in their stance. Furthermore, any speculation regarding their family matters is also untrue."
The statement continued, "The issue of custody adjustment, made out of respect for a minor member's wishes, concerns a different member. That family, too, is firmly united in their decision. We ask that speculation regarding this matter be refrained from. All families are currently respecting and supporting their children, and we want to make that absolutely clear."
Requesting restraint from speculative reporting, the parents stated, "Custody matters are private family issues. We hope these matters are not maliciously used in relation to the legal dispute with ADOR. A company built on trust should not be exploiting a member’s family situation for media play. As parents, we cannot send our children back to such an environment. Neither the new management at ADOR nor HYBE has shown us any sign of trust, and that has not changed to this day."
On the same day, a media outlet reported signs of disagreement among NewJeans members’ parents.
Meanwhile, during the first hearing on April 3 at the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 41 for the case confirming the validity of the exclusive contract, the judge asked NewJeans’ legal representative whether the custody decision by the Family Court regarding "Defendant 4" meant the lawsuit was now authorized. This has been interpreted to suggest that a legal procedure regarding parental custody was undertaken due to a difference in opinion between the parents of one of the underage members, either Haerin or Hyein.
Previously, during a hearing on March 7 by the Civil Division 50 of the Seoul Central District Court concerning an injunction to preserve the group's status under the label, the judge also noted issues regarding legal representation. At that time, NewJeans’ legal representative stated, "There was a hearing at the Family Court yesterday. We expect a decision to be reached sometime next week."
▼ Full Statement from the Parents of NewJeans Members
" Hello. We are the parents of NewJeans members.
We would like to clarify that the reports by some media outlets suggesting a "rift among the members’ parents" are completely untrue. We are sharing this statement to correct any misunderstandings.
All five members firmly believe that returning to HYBE is not an option. This decision was made after thorough discussions within each family. From the beginning, the members promised not to pursue legal action unless all five were in agreement. This demonstrates the deep trust and unity among them.
The members continue to stand united in their decision, and we, as their parents, fully respect and unwaveringly support their wishes. Despite the current difficulties, the five members frequently meet and maintain their strong friendship. We, their parents, have also grown closer through regular communication during these trying times. That is why it is both upsetting and disappointing to see baseless rumors about family discord or members leaving the group being reported as fact.
We initially believed there was no value in responding, as the rumors seemed to stem from someone’s attempt to stir division. However, with specific members now being named in such reports, we felt it necessary to make this statement.
The malicious rumors concerning member Haerin are completely false. Haerin and her parents are fully aligned in their beliefs. Furthermore, speculation about their family matters is entirely baseless. These unfounded assumptions have caused severe emotional distress to both the member and her family.
The issue of parental rights pertains to another member. This decision was made out of respect for the minor child’s wishes, in full agreement with her mother. We ask that people refrain from further speculation regarding this family matter as well. We want to emphasize that all families are currently respecting and supporting their children without exception.
According to Article 10 of the Family Litigation Act, "No newspaper, magazine, or other publication or broadcast may carry information or photos from which a person involved in a family court case may be identified by name, age, occupation, or appearance." Furthermore, Article 72 outlines criminal penalties for violations of this provision. We urge everyone to refrain from making or spreading speculative and indiscriminate assumptions about personal information.
The issue of parental authority is a personal family matter. We sincerely hope this will not be maliciously used in connection with the ongoing legal dispute with ADOR. As parents, we cannot send our children back to a company that exploits a member’s family situation for media manipulation when trust should be the foundation of any working relationship. Neither ADOR under new management nor HYBE has shown us any reason to trust them—not in the past, and not now."
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