EXCLUSIVE: NewJeans comeback will proceed as planned, despite HYBE-ADOR drama

NewJeans will make a comeback in May, as planned, despite the ongoing dispute between HYBE and ADOR.

Girl group NewJeans [ADOR]

Girl group NewJeans will return to the K-pop scene in May as planned despite ongoing spat between HYBE and its subsidiary ADOR.

“NewJeans will make a comeback in Korea with a new single in May — whether or not ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin cooperates with HYBE,” a source with the knowledge in the matter told the Korea JoongAng Daily. Despite the ongoing dispute, the source said, “it is her duty to push ahead according to the schedule, as well as duty of HYBE.”

NewJeans is scheduled to release a new single in Korea May 24 and to make its Japanese debut on June 21 with singles “Supernatural” and “Right Now.” The group will then head straight to Tokyo Dome on June 26 and 27 for a fan meet and greet.

The famed quintet has been at the center of the bloodbath between HYBE and ADOR, which began when Min claimed that ILLIT, another girl group under HYBE, had copied NewJeans' concept. She now says that HYBE is attempting to oust her from the top position.

ILLIT debuted last month under ADOR’s sister label Belift Lab with the EP “Super Real Me.” Min labeled the rookie girl group a “NewJeans copycat” and accused it of plagiarizing “NewJeans’ hair, makeup, costumes, choreography, photos, videos and event appearances.”

BY LEE JAE-LIM [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]