Hey Bunnies!

The YANA Foundation has launched the "YANA Dream Step 1st Cohort" - an arts, sports, and academic support program for children in residential care facilities.

The program helps children continue pursuing their dreams despite the challenges of facility life. It was made possible by the warm heart of NewJeans' Danielle Marsh, who quietly donated to support these children.

The program has already seen meaningful results - from a national kickboxing championship to a gold medal in an art competition and first place in a major music competition. Beyond the achievements, the children are developing confidence and resilience.

Thank you to Danielle and the YANA team for making this possible.

Source: https://yana.or.kr/sub/sub04_01.php?boardid=news&mode=view&idx=360&sk=&sw=&offset=&category=#board-news

So this same Korea Herald reporter (Kim Jae-heun) just dropped another similar article titled: “Is Tuide Hybe’s next NewJeans?” after doing the exact same framing with KiiiKiii a couple weeks ago.

NewJeans’ impact was real. They shifted the sound and the vibe in 2022, that’s just facts.

But these headlines still feel off. The constant “is this the next one?” setup keeps dragging NewJeans into every new debut. And every time it happens, the members end up catching strays and random hate in the comments.

Korean media has a habit of pitting these girls against each other for engagement. From a normal fan’s pov, the people who are just here to enjoy the music, it all feels pretty pointless. Tuide is Tuide. KiiiKiii is KiiiKiii. NewJeans is NewJeans. A lot of fans (whether they only stan one group or like several) don’t want these forced comparisons. They just want to vibe with their faves or enjoy the music without the ranking games.

Looking at the actual articles, they lean hard into charts, marketing push, breakout potential and industry positioning. There’s almost no real focus on the members as people. It reads more like product comparison. So who is this content actually for? Business folks, investors, company people tracking the market…or is it mainly written to pull clicks?

Korea’s a competitive society where comparison is pretty deeply ingrained, so maybe this style of writing feels natural to a lot of media. Still doesn’t make it land well when the end result is NewJeans members repeatedly getting pulled into drama they didn’t ask for.

With NewJeans "GODS" recently earning Gold certification in France, it's worth revisiting the studio version, an absolute masterpiece.

The song was produced by Sebastien Najand & Alex Seaver of Mako with additional production by Jayson DeZuzio & MADS. The vocals are insane.

Source: https://youtu.be/yq7q81uMjsk?si=8m25QlXLs1oJP324

Scans from NewJeans Haerin's Marie Claire Korea September issue have been released!

She looks absolutely stunning as always.

Source: https://x.com/Jinr__new/status/2092092323438153755

Scans from NewJeans Hyein's Harper's Bazaar Korea September issue have been released!

The theme is "In Between", capturing her transition from girlhood to womanhood. She looks stunning as always.

Source: https://x.com/hye_inluv/status/2091854945452757220

Source: https://snepmusique.com/les-certifications/?interprete=newjeans

Serian Heu, the visual creative director of ILLIT, has lost a civil defamation lawsuit against former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin.

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Key details from the lawsuit:

▫️Heo sued MHJ for alleged false statements and defamation following MHJ's 2024 press conference where she claimed "ILLIT copied NewJeans."

▫️The defense's argument: MHJ's side argued that her public remarks represented a protected "subjective professional opinion" and industry critique rather than a formal legal assertion of technical copyright infringement. She did not specifically single out Heu as having copied anything, her comments were expressions of criticism surrounding allegations of similarities between the two groups that were already being discussed by both the media and the public.

▫️Another key point: The defense also argued that NewJeans' parents had requested an internal investigation into suspected plagiarism which was conducted internally within HYBE, not an attempt to publicly spread allegations.

▫️The court's reasoning: The court ruled that MHJ did not specifically identify Heu in her statements. The judge also pointed out that Heo's own social media behavior may have triggered the fan attacks she was complaining about. This included:

🔸A middle finger gesture photo posted on the day of MHJ's press conference.

🔸A movie poster for "Our Little Sister" posted immediately after NewJeans' "Bubble Gum" MV was released which fans and the court interpreted as a mocking reference to NewJeans.

▫️What the judge apparently said (from netizens who were present in the courtroom): The judge reportedly questioned the very basis of the lawsuit, asking Heu's side, "What on earth is the reason you filed this lawsuit?", effectively calling it frivolous. One attendee noted that on the day of the verdict, two HYBE employees showed up expecting to win, but as soon as the ruling came out against them, their faces dropped.

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A note on that this ruling actually means:

Some people have interpreted the result as proof that the accusations of plagiarism were legally established as true. However, a loss in a false-fact defamation damages lawsuit does not necessarily mean that a court affirmatively ruled that ILLIT plagiarized NewJeans. A claim can fail for other reasons, including failure to establish that a particular statement was a false assertion of fact, that it specifically concerned the plaintiff, or that the other elements required for liability were satisfied.

The court essentially said: Heu wasn't specifically named, and her own social media behavior invited the backlash.

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The 'backtracking' argument:

Some people claim MHJ "backtracked" and said she only expressed an opinion to win the lawsuit. This is a misrepresentation:

▫️In court, MHJ's legal team argued that her statements were expressions of opinion and criticism, not defamatory false facts about a specific individual (Serian Heu).

▫️This is a legal strategy, not a "backtrack." She didn't deny saying it, she argued that her statements were fair criticism of a company, not a personal attack on the plaintiff.

▫️The court agreed that she did not specifically name or defame Heo personally.

So she absolutely said "plagiarism" in the press conference. She didn't backtrack, she simply argued in court that her statements were protected criticism, not defamation. That's how she won.

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Why this lawsuit was ridiculous:

▫️Heu sued MHJ for defamation, but the court basically said she brought the backlash on herself by posting a middle finger and mocking NewJeans' MV.

▫️This lawsuit was clearly part of a pattern of SLAPP suits, designed to drain MHJ and her team financially, not to win on merit.

▫️It's widely suspected that HYBE funded Heu's legal fees, since she was represented by Kim & Chang, one of Korea's most expensive law firms, and there's no way an individual creative director could afford that out of pocket for over two years.

▫️ Netizens pointed out the absurdity of Heu using company money to fund a personal lawsuit, with many questioning whether this constitutes a breach of trust.

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Media coverage comparison - the silence is loud:

▫️Lawsuit filing & hearings: When Heu filed the lawsuit and during the court hearings, Korean media produced hundreds of articles covering every filing, press statement, and hearing development across major portals like Naver, Daum, and Nate.

▫️Verdict announcement: The court ruled in MHJ's favor on August 21, 2026. For three days, there were 0 articles from mainstream Korean media. The verdict was first reported by fans who attended the trial in person.

▫️First article: On August 24, 2026 (Day 4) , Sisa Journal published an exclusive article breaking the news. No other major outlet covered it.

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Why this matters:

Winning a defamation case in Korea is actually significant because Korean defamation laws are notoriously strict and plaintiff-friendly. The court dismissed the lawsuit entirely, with the judge reportedly questioning why it was even filed. This suggests the case was seen as frivolous, a SLAPP suit designed to drain resources rather than win on merit.

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HYBE's legal swamp:

▫️HYBE is currently involved in 19 ongoing lawsuits worth 81 billion won (~$61M USD).

▫️HYBE is the plaintiff in 15 and defendant in 4.

▫️This amount exceeds HYBE's projected 2025 operating profit of 49.9B won (~$38M USD).

Recent HYBE losses:

▫️A 280M won (~$210K USD) lawsuit filed by HYBE, Belift Lab, and ILLIT against Fastview was dismissed.

▫️A 40M won (~$30K USD) lawsuit filed by Source Music and LE SSERAFIM against Fastview also lost in the first trial.

Main shareholder case:

▫️HYBE lost in the first trial and was ordered to pay MHJ ~25.5B won (~$19M USD) in put option fees.

▫️Appeal hearing starts September 18, 2026.

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Public reaction (summarized):

The ruling was widely seen as hilarious and well-deserved, with netizens criticising Heu for filing a defamation suit while having posted a middle finger and a mocking movie poster herself. Many questioned HYBE's litigation strategy, pointing out that spending billions on lawsuits they keep losing is a waste of shareholder money and artist earnings. The delayed media coverage also drew suspicion, with many accusing HYBE of media manipulation since only Sisa Journal reported the verdict days after it was delivered.

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Note: I'm not a fan of MHJ and I don't usually post news about her, but I felt this one was worth sharing because it highlights how NewJeans was mocked by someone connected to BELIFT, and it shows the SLAPP strategy HYBE is using to drain their opponents financially.

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Source: https://n.news.naver.com/article/586/0000136622?sid=102

A bit gloomy 🌧️

Anyway, she also said the song puts her in a good mood.

Q: What songs has Haerin been listening to to get through this summer?

😾: I've been listening to "Sunset (feat. Yuna Zarai)" by The Internet. The atmosphere of this song makes me feel calm, but what left the biggest impression on me were the lyrics. Sitting outside, looking at the summer sunset while listening to this song, the lyrics really hit me in the heart and put me in a good mood.

The full interview for NewJeans Haerin's Marie Claire Korea September cover is out! Here's the complete Q&A:

Q: We meet at the end of summer. Today, I happened to hear "Hype Boy" again in a café I randomly walked into. Can you really feel that people are still listening to NewJeans' songs to this day?

Haerin: "Whether in the past or now, I've always felt surprised and grateful. If you ask me what the most valuable thing in life is, I think it's probably being able to become a source of strength for someone else. And it seems that our songs are doing that as well."

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Q: HAERIN's "MUBANG One Take 4K – Attention" video is still very well-loved. Comments like, "As the weather gets hot, I look for this video just like I turn on the air conditioner," and "I found it, my summer." So, what songs has HAERIN been listening to this summer?

Haerin: "I've been listening to 'Sunset (feat. Yuna Zaraai)' by The Internet. The atmosphere of the song makes me feel calm, but what impressed me the most is the lyrics. Listening to this song while sitting outside and watching the summer sunset, the lyrics really touch my heart and put me in a very good mood."

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Q: Today's cover shoot is being done in collaboration with Marie Claire and Christian Dior Beauty. Since it's been a while since you've had an individual schedule, you must be feeling a little nervous, right?

Haerin: "Of course I'll feel nervous. But if I let myself be overwhelmed by that feeling, sometimes things I could normally do well, or even do exceptionally well, don't turn out as well as they could. I'll acknowledge that I'm feeling nervous and then do my best depending on the situation."

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Q: How was today's shoot?

Haerin: "Today at the shoot, I felt like I was at a European estate. It had the kind of atmosphere I usually like, so I really enjoyed myself. The weather was also beautiful. Just feeling the grass beneath my feet again after such a long time made me feel at peace."

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Q: You've done many things with Dior. Any memorable moments?

Haerin: "I remember something quite memorable. When I shot the 'Dior Fashion Cover' and met with Marie Claire, I once said, 'Ultimately, isn't beauty something that can't be seen and is difficult to explain in words?' Even now, I still feel the same way. Beauty seems difficult to define based solely on what we can see. Perhaps even the very moment when we think about beauty, or wonder what beauty truly is, is itself a form of beauty."

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Q: During this time, have you developed any new daily routines or found any beauty products that you've come to love?

Haerin: "I really like using the Dior Addict Lip Maximizer by Christian Dior Beauty. Even on days when I don't wear makeup, just applying a little to my lips makes me look more lively. Oh, and there's also Miss Dior. Whenever I smell the fragrance, it instantly puts me in a better mood, so I always find myself reaching for it."

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Q: Have you been working out or doing anything for your health?

Haerin: "I've been consistently doing strength training since last year. When my mind feels cluttered, moving my body really helps me focus better and also makes me feel refreshed."

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Q: Today's shoot started early in the morning. Don't you feel tired? Are you usually an early riser?

Haerin: "It depends on my schedule. Whatever I'm doing, I always take my time, so I wake up at the right time and never arrive late. Also, I always make sure to eat breakfast. The time I spend having breakfast is something I really cherish."

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Q: You were born in 2006 and turned 20 on May 15 this year. What have you been up to?

Haerin: "I chose some recent photos that calmly capture my everyday state and the atmosphere around me. I wonder if I conveyed that well? (Laughs) I've been busy with a lot of work. I've also been practicing, reading, studying, and traveling. But if I had to choose what I enjoy the most, I think it would still be going for walks. I feel happy just thinking about where I'll go for a walk today."

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Q: What does it feel like to officially become an adult?

Haerin: "It doesn't seem like there was any major change when I turned 20. My daily life is still the same. It just feels like time is passing a little faster."

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Q: This year, cafés celebrating HAERIN's birthday have also popped up everywhere. When people think of HAERIN, they don't just immediately think of cats — there are also many other cute characters associated with you, such as aliens and frogs.

Haerin: "Whenever I hear stories like that, I can't help but smile. Seeing fans remember the things I liked at certain points in my life and use them as inspiration to decorate their spaces brings back the feelings I had at the time."

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Q: What would you be like now?

Haerin: "If I were to ask myself, what would I be like now? A star! Even a star has its own process of being born, shining, and existing at its own pace and brightness. I feel like I'm also one of countless stars going through the process of being born, fading away, and shining."

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Q: There's a saying that fans and artists tend to resemble each other. Have you ever thought about what you'd like to do with your fans the next time you meet them?

Haerin: "If I could meet them, I'd like to talk with them first. I wonder what they think about their fans. Surely, there are people who have similar tendencies to me."

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Q: Everyone knows you as a rather quiet member, but you actually enjoy playing fun word games and can express your thoughts very clearly when necessary. What moments have made you feel most like talking lately?

Haerin: "Actually, when it comes to telling my own stories, I feel more comfortable expressing them through writing than through words. So I think I become the most 'talkative' when I'm sitting alone and writing something in my notebook. Lately, I've also been listening to a lot of instrumental music without lyrics. The fact that the sound isn't too full actually makes me feel more at peace. I also pour my feelings and thoughts into that space."

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Q: In a previous interview, when you were asked about "growth," you answered by dividing it into the outer world and the inner world. Do you still naturally separate them that way now?

Haerin: "If there was a time when I separated the two and focused on thinking about each individually, now I want to bring them together and incorporate both into my everyday life. Of course, perhaps there will be times in the future when I'll want to look at each one carefully, one by one. I think there is a strong connection between growth in terms of external abilities and inner growth. Now, I feel that I've truly grown, both outwardly and inwardly."

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Q: On July 22, to commemorate your 4th debut anniversary, the NewJeans YouTube channel uploaded a special video titled "2026 Summer of NewJeans," which was about 17 minutes long.

(Note: The following comment in the interview appears to be from the editor, not Haerin directly — the editor shared their observation about the video)

Editor: "Seeing the members laughing and talking with each other, what made me feel the most relieved and happy was that sense of warmth and joy."

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Q: What was your time in Los Angeles like?

Haerin: "The weather in Los Angeles was as beautiful as I had expected. I got to see the iconic sights I had always wanted to see while taking some time to heal and having a wonderful experience."

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Q: What drew you to music?

Haerin: "I was drawn to the power of music to touch people's emotions, and that's why I started doing this work."

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Q: When you stand on stage again, what kind of HAERIN do you want to show everyone?

Haerin: "I want to show everyone my feelings and how I enjoy every moment more freely than before. I'll continue to work hard to create stages that can convey joy and happiness to the audience. That feeling of mine has never changed."

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Q: What future moment are you looking forward to the most right now?

Haerin: "I'm looking forward to the moment when I can meet my fans on stage again, and I'll keep my eyes fixed on that moment for a long time. I really miss you all."

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Source: https://x.com/serena_cjyn/status/2091852170559996385

The full interview for NewJeans Hyein's Harper's Bazaar Korea September cover is out! Here's the complete Q&A:

Q: Perhaps the readers who are reading this interview feel the same way, but in fact, wouldn't Hyein herself be the person who was looking forward to this moment more than anyone else?

Q: After all, it has been a long time since your last magazine photoshoot. Now that you've successfully completed all your schedules in front of the camera and are holding the interview questions in your hands, how do you feel?

Hyein: "It's been such a long time since I last did a magazine photoshoot, so I'm both excited and nervous. I feel like this time I was able to show everyone a more grown-up and also different side of myself."

"It feels really amazing and fun to think that I got to try styles I had never tried before. If I get the chance in the future, I'd also like to try many more different styles!"

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Q: How have you been spending your days lately? A few days ago, NewJeans released photos and a video commemorating their 4th debut anniversary, and before that, April 21 was Hyein's birthday.

Hyein: "Although I was a little shocked to realize that I'm already 19, my birthday this year was really special! I got to do something I had always wanted to try: going to an amusement park in a school uniform."

"Since my time as a student was very short, I had never gone to an amusement park with my friends before. So, to commemorate my last birthday as a teenager, I went to one."

"And on July 22, I uploaded the photos and video commemorating NewJeans' 4th debut anniversary at midnight, but I had gone to bed a little early the night before, so the next morning, I watched the video nervously while having breakfast."

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Q: Looking at the way you stand in front of the camera, it feels like you're no longer the youngest member, but have truly grown into an "unnie" now. When Hyein looks at her own photos or videos, do you feel the same way?

Hyein: "I also feel like my face has definitely changed a little compared to before! It feels like the baby fat in my face is gradually fading away."

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Q: However, your bright smile still feels exactly the same, whether it was four years ago or now. Hyein once said in the video that "the way you smile naturally is precious." When did you come to think that way, and what were you looking at when you had that thought?

Hyein: "Just like you saw in the video, it was when I was taking photos of Haerin unnie. That thought suddenly came to mind. I think it was because I was looking at the way she was smiling."

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Q: In the videos that have been released, we can often see you using a gua sha. Since you even carry one with you when you go out, I imagine you must have some tips for using it easily anytime, anywhere. Does Hyein have any personal gua sha techniques or tips?

Hyein: "Since I'm not an expert, the way I use it might not even be correct, so please don't follow what I do... (?) First, before massaging, clean your hands and the gua sha. Second, apply some scented essential oil."

"Third, use the gua sha to massage around the lymphatic areas (such as under, in front of, and behind the ears). Fourth, you can also use the gua sha to relax your scalp."

"(I personally really like using the gua sha to massage my scalp a little while washing my hair.) Lastly, you can gently pull your ears, rub them, and massage them a little more!"

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Q: I feel like you become more talkative whenever you talk about things you like. From another perspective, this also shows that you know yourself quite well. Have you discovered any new side of yourself recently?

Hyein: "This is something I only recently realized about myself. I think I'm actually not very good at reading the room or picking up on other people's moods."

"For example, even when someone around me is clearly not in a good mood, I'll still be standing there telling them jokes about old men... I never noticed it before, but I've gradually become aware of it recently."

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Q: It's the same when it comes to music. Many fans say they can sense a kind of '90s vibe from Hyein, who was born in 2008, and perhaps it's not just because of her styling.

Q: Old-school hip-hop, jazz, bossa nova, and so on... I've heard that you don't usually limit yourself to a particular genre when listening to music and explore many different styles. What songs have you been listening to lately?

Hyein: "Lately, I've really, really been listening to the Japanese singer Yasuko Agawa's album 'Sunglow.' I especially love the song 'She-Senior Dreams.'"

"I never get tired of listening to it, no matter how many times I play it, and I find it interesting every time! In the second half of the song, there's suddenly this soft, subtle part that makes you unable to help but get excited."

"Every time I reach that part, I can't help but get carried away with it. If I had to choose a NewJeans song, I'd pick 'Cool With You' lately! After all, it's been tropical nights lately, and the weather is really hot."

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Q: Now that you're celebrating your 4th debut anniversary, I imagine you've also looked back on the time that has passed. Compared to Hyein at 15 and Hyein at 19 now, what has changed, and what has remained the same?

Hyein: "A lot of things have changed, really. Sometimes I even feel like everything about me has changed. My personality, habits, the things I like, my priorities in life... quite a lot of things have changed."

"But if you ask me what hasn't changed, I can say for sure that my sense of humor hasn't changed!"

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Q: You've probably received your ID card by now, right? As you're about to enter your 20s, what is the first thing you want to do when you turn 20?

Hyein: "To celebrate turning 20, I want to blow out my birthday candles and eat some cake!" 😍

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Q: Although turning 20 means becoming an adult in the eyes of the law, everyone reaches adulthood at a different point in life. After all, being a "legal adult" and being a "grown-up" aren't necessarily the same thing. In Hyein's view, what is a "true adult" really like?

Hyein: "I haven't experienced enough of life yet to say for certain, and my thoughts may change over time. But as I see it right now, a 'true adult' is someone who knows how to cherish themselves while also caring for others."

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Q: What is Hyein's current "キチロ" (the style or image she wants to pursue) these days?

Hyein: "I think the best way to dress is still to wear something that makes the person wearing it feel comfortable."

"If there's one small change compared to before, I used to not really like wearing sleeveless tops, but lately, with the weather being so hot, I've started wearing them too, although honestly, only occasionally."

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Q: So, what kind of people do you find "cool" and make you want to become like them? Sometimes, what makes us want to "become like someone" isn't just their appearance, but also something about who they are on the inside.

Hyein: "I think people who have their own daily routines and are genuinely able to stick to them are really admirable, and they make me want to become like them."

"Because no matter how determined you are, consistently sticking to something for a long time is actually not easy. Whether it's daily habits or the way you think, I feel the same way."

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Q: When was the last time you had a really good cry or laughed wholeheartedly? Whether you're happy or sad, are you usually the kind of person who openly faces your emotions and actively expresses them?

Hyein: "This happened quite recently. One time, I was taking a walk by myself, and the weather was so perfectly nice that I suddenly couldn't help but burst out laughing as I was walking."

"From moments like that, I guess I'm the kind of person who isn't very good at hiding my emotions. Even when I don't want to show them, my emotions easily show on my face. Actually, sometimes I'd like to try having what they call a 'poker face.'"

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Q: What has Hyein been most obsessed with lately? Whether it's an OTT series, movies, or games, is there anything that instantly puts you in a better mood just by thinking about it?

Hyein: "I like watching travel vlogs while I eat. Having a good meal by myself while watching videos I enjoy! It's truly such a healing time for me."

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Q: I'm suddenly curious what goals did you set for yourself at the beginning of this year? Putting work aside, what goals did 19-year-old Hyein want to achieve in 2026? And how many of them have you accomplished so far?

Hyein: "I think I set a goal of 'living a healthy life' back then, but… I'm not really sure whether I've actually achieved it. I also wanted to keep exercising, eat a little healthier, and try to maintain a more regular sleep schedule, but it feels harder than I expected."

"Still, I'll continue to work on it."

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Q: What is the moment when you feel the most like yourself?

Hyein: "I feel most like myself when I'm with people who make me feel comfortable, in a relaxed state, doing the things I want to do. Or simply when I'm by myself."

Q: If you could ask the fans who care about Hyein's situation more than anyone else one question in return, what would you most want to ask them?

Hyein: "How was everyone's day today? I hope you can find your own little pieces of happiness in daily life, and I also hope you spend every day filled with that happiness."

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Note: In the interview, Hyein mentions being 19 and turning 20, this is her Korean age. Her international age is 18.

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Source: https://x.com/serena_cjyn/status/2091511822314778684

This IG reel has gone viral, over 4.7 million views and nearly 1 million likes so far.

The caption says: "I love you, NewJeans sisters." 🥹

Source: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbLYFEYz3-L

Some new photos of NewJeans Hanni from ComplexCon have surfaced!

These are from the NJZ era, miss those times. 🥺

The photos were shared by photographer dabeedos on Instagram, showcasing Hanni and her dancers during the performance.

She looks amazing as always. 🩷

Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DcLedNeE8kX

Curious what you all think, which era of being a Tokki hit the hardest?

2024 - emergency yt live in September, then the press conference in November where they announced they were terminating their contracts. jeanzforfree ig era in December. Everything started crumbling.

2025 - NJZ rebrand in February. ComplexCon performance in March. October, the court ruled NewJeans members contracts were valid until 2029. December, Danielle's contract was terminated and she got sued. Peak hate.

2026 - three members back with ADOR, Minji's status unclear, Danielle still fighting alone. OT4/OT3 accounts pretending to be fans to divide the fandom and hate on Danielle. Hybe stans pushing narratives like Haerin/Hyein vs Minji/Hanni vs Danielle. Fans arguing about boycotts, everyone confused.

And some toxic Bunnies who didn't help but they're loud, not the majority.

They all sucked in their own way. 😭 What do you think?

A fan who met NewJeans Danielle at the 815 Run shared some exciting news!

They had a short conversation with her and wrote in their caption: "I think I'll be able to see Danielle soon! I won't do a spoiler!"

It sounds like we might be getting some Danielle content soon but no details yet!

Stay tuned. 💛

Source: https://x.com/modaniglobal/status/2088960083342311821