Harin and the Truth Behind Her Trainee Contract with ADOR

A dream cut short, a contract revealed,
Harin’s truth breaks through the veil,
K-pop’s hidden story comes to light.

The story of Harin, a Japanese model born in 2003, has resurfaced in the spotlight after her trainee contract with ADOR was finally revealed. Harin, who was once part of the pre-debut lineup for NewJeans, had previously been accused of lying about her status and faced heavy online backlash. But newly surfaced documents confirm that she did in fact sign an official contract with ADOR, proving she was not just a Source Music trainee as many claimed.

On August 19, YouTube channel President Entertainment Lee Jin-ho disclosed Harin’s contract signed on January 7, 2022, which included her parents’ signatures and the official seal of then-ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. The contract was meant to last until January 6, 2023, but Harin received a termination notice only two months later. This revelation matches Harin’s previous testimony on Japanese actor Hiromitsu Takeda’s YouTube channel, where she explained that her contract was abruptly ended without reason, forcing her to return to Japan under harsh conditions.

Harin first began her trainee journey in 2020 after passing a Source Music audition. She later transferred to ADOR and was included in the debut lineup for NewJeans, only to be dropped just before their official debut. Following the termination, her phone and iPad were confiscated, her communication restricted, and she was barred from speaking to Min Hee-jin or the members. In the end, she returned to Japan alone. Harin admitted she accepted the decision at the time because she felt it was “natural” as the oldest trainee, though the experience left her deeply scarred.

From Accusations of Lying to Evidence of the Truth

Before these documents surfaced, Harin had been the target of severe online harassment. She was accused of having a “bad attitude,” lying about her connection to NewJeans, and seeking attention by claiming she was part of the group. The relentless criticism pushed her to turn off her comments, issue an apology, and even delete most of her YouTube videos. But now, with official proof of her ADOR contract, the narrative has shifted.

Public sentiment quickly changed after the evidence was posted on X (Twitter). Many fans expressed sympathy for Harin, anger at the agencies involved, and frustration at how she was treated. Comments on X reflected the relief that her truth is finally being acknowledged:

“Tokkis on TT said hybe paid Harin for mediaplay, also they confirmed Harin originally talking about Source Music and not Ador. So… Now what happens when this reveal……”

“I’m so happy that the truth is coming to light and thank god Harin had the documents for this contract thing cuz you know how much that witch loves to lie in the public🙂”

“That poor girl. I hope she either gets to go solo or join a new group. Evil people.”

“What will their fandom say now after cyberbullying her into turning off her comments and saying she lied? Since there’s proof she was very close to the members she shouldn’t have been liking those comments IMO, even if that’s truly how she truly feels.”

“Ohhh look at that, someone who actually brings proof and evidence to their claims… Mhj and all her minions including NewJeans and Bunnies could never.”

“Watch them try to flip the narrative again.”

“I think that tell a lot that Ador and hybe not good at all how can you treat someone like that and it makes more sense that NJ Hanni didn’t lie . Lastly I thank their CEO using shaman to choose the members who can stick together no matter what that’s why NJ 2:0 fifty fifty case.”

“Min HeeJin realized the oldest is smart and could be a problem for her so she terminated the oldest and kept the dumbest and greedy parents who she realized wld be her conspiracy to steal ADOR. MHJ picked the right people as her accomplices. MHJ. NewJeans. Parents. Such a lowlife.”

These reactions show that public perception of Harin has shifted significantly. What was once seen as fabrication is now supported by hard evidence, validating her side of the story. For many, her case highlights the emotional toll young trainees face in pursuit of their dreams.

Harin’s story is more than just a personal tragedy of a trainee who lost her debut—it exposes the fragility of the K-pop trainee system itself. The fact that her contract was terminated without explanation raises serious questions about ADOR and HYBE’s transparency in managing young talents. It also puts renewed scrutiny on Min Hee-jin, who is once again criticized for her handling of trainees.

For NewJeans, while the group continues to enjoy massive global popularity, the controversy could cast a shadow over their clean image, especially since Harin was once closely tied to the members. More broadly, this case amplifies the call for stronger regulations and protections for K-pop trainees.

Harin may have lost her chance at debut, but her story is now fueling a wider conversation about fairness, accountability, and the future of trainee management in the Korean entertainment industry.

Sources: Daum, Youtube Channel @Behind_Master