Fears arise over HYBE’s future plans for NewJeans as shared by group members’ parents.
For more details on the ongoing dispute between HYBE and ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, including a full timeline, you can visit our dedicated section here.
A parent of one of the NewJeans members recently spoke to the media, alleging that HYBE plans to sideline the group for an extended period after their upcoming shows at Tokyo Dome in Japan.
According to what NewJeans’ parent shared, HYBE, led by CEO Park Ji Won, is considering a lengthy hiatus for NewJeans after their performance in Tokyo Dome. This follows the departure of Min Hee Jin.
— NewJeans’ Parent
HYBE’s CEO, Park Ji Won, purportedly informed parents that following their June 26 and 27 concerts, NewJeans would be put on a significant break, the length of which was not specified. He also mentioned their intention to collaborate with a Grammy-awarded producer, a search that could last as long as one to one and a half years—a timeline speculated to reflect the group’s hiatus duration.
The possibility of such a considerable hiatus has sparked anxiety among fans and criticism from music experts who believe it could critically harm NewJeans’ momentum and career trajectory.
Music critic Lim Hee Yeun expressed concerns that this planned hiatus defies the expectation for K-Pop groups to maintain constant visibility to remain relevant in the industry.
Nowadays, it’s common for K-pop groups to take minimal breaks. Essentially, the notion of a ‘comeback’ is losing its significance because groups are expected to continuously release music, often monthly, and to engage with fans online when they are not focused on their music projects. Even halting activities for merely a month and a half is seen as a risky move for any K-Pop group’s career.
— Lim Hee Yeun, music critic
In defense of their strategy, HYBE retorted that implementing a break wasn’t the intention, especially since they mentioned involving a (Grammy Winning) producer for future NewJeans projects.
Another point of worry for industry insiders is HYBE’s plan to introduce a new producer. This could potentially alter NewJeans’ distinctive musical style, which has been refined over the past two years, possibly alienating their existing fanbase.
NewJeans has forged their signature sound by collaborating with local indie artists like 250 and FRNK of Beats And Natives Alike (BANA), along with international contributors such as Danish singer-songwriter Erika de Casier and Swedish artist Ylva Dimberg. A sudden switch to a new music producer with a focus on American music might be akin to career self-sabotage.
— Lim Hee Yeun, music critic
With the legal turmoil between HYBE and ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin continuing, NewJeans’ fate appears increasingly unpredictable. Further information about the conflict between the organizations can be found here.
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FAQ about NewJeans’ Hiatus
- Why is HYBE planning to put NewJeans on a hiatus?
- While the specific reasons behind the hiatus are not fully disclosed, the CEO of HYBE has indicated a desire to bring a Grammy-winning producer on board to work with NewJeans, which could take considerable time.
- How long is NewJeans’ hiatus expected to last?
- The exact duration has not been disclosed, but concerns have been raised that the search for a new producer could take up to one and a half years, hinting at a potential hiatus length.
- What concerns have music critics expressed about the hiatus?
- Critics are worried that a long hiatus could harm NewJeans’ career as frequent visibility is vital for K-Pop groups to remain relevant. There is also concern that changing producers could disrupt their signature sound.
- What is the potential impact of bringing in a new producer?
- Introducing a new producer might change the group’s unique musical style, which could alienate their fanbase and negatively impact their popularity.
Conclusion
The news of NewJeans potentially facing a protracted hiatus after their Tokyo Dome concerts has stirred considerable unease in the K-Pop community. With concerns about sustaining the group’s visibility and preserving their unique sound, fans and industry observers alike wait anxiously for updates on HYBE’s plans for the group’s future. The situation exemplifies the delicate balance between strategic artist development and the relentless pace of the K-Pop industry, where prolonged absences can have dramatic effects on an artist’s trajectory.