NewJeans' Haerin Steps Back in Front of Cameras With Slimmer Cheeks

K-POP group NewJeans member Haerin appeared at an official event for the first time in 18 months.

Haerin attended a luxury beauty brand pop-up event at Lotte Department Store's Avenuel in Jamsil, Seoul's Songpa district, on the afternoon of Sept. 7.

Also in attendance were former figure skater Kim Yuna; actors Nam Joo-hyuk, Shin Ye-eun and Kim Jae-won; Red Velvet's Joy; models Irene and Bae Yoon-young; and makeup artist and image director Peter Philips.

Haerin arrived in a shimmering black mini dress with white buttons, layered under a white cardigan with black trim. She completed the black-and-white look with a black mini bag featuring white accents and white heels with black trim. Her long, straight hair was styled half-up to reveal her face. With slimmer cheeks and more defined features, she projected a more mature image as she posed for photographers.

It was the first time Haerin had faced press cameras since attending a hearing on ADOR's injunction request at the Seoul Central District Court on March 7, 2025. It was also her first public event since announcing her intention to return to ADOR in November 2025.

NewJeans declared the termination of the members' exclusive contracts with ADOR at an emergency press conference on Nov. 29, 2024. ADOR later filed a lawsuit seeking confirmation that the contracts remained valid. In October 2025, the Seoul Central District Court ruled that the contracts were still in effect.

Haerin and Hyein announced their return to ADOR on Nov. 12, 2025. Hanni followed in December, while Minji remains in talks with the agency. With Haerin becoming the first member to return to an official public event, attention is now turning to whether NewJeans will resume activities as a full group.