Harada Rin (Harin) faces backlash over claims she was cut from NewJeans debut lineup
Japanese model and former trainee Harada Rin, known as Harin, sparked controversy with an interview claiming she was dropped from NewJeans (NJZ) just before debut. The article, which went viral on Korean community sites, was edited multiple times before being taken down, causing fans to question its accuracy.
The original headline boldly stated, “NJZ had a 5th member…Harin. Told to leave right before debut.” Harin shared her story on Japanese actor Hiromitsu Takeda’s YouTube channel, revealing she trained under Source Music and HYBE, and later ADOR, before leaving the idol path.
Harin recalled the harsh reality of trainee life:
“For two years, I practiced like crazy from morning until night without even sleeping,” she said. “My parents were ready to go sign the contract, and the company CEO was saying, ‘Let’s debut our Harin.’ Everything was set.”
She described the shock of being the only one asked to terminate her contract:
“One day, they suddenly told me to terminate the contract, and I was the only one told to ‘leave.’ It was so hard. I worked so hard and came so far, so why would they drop me at that point?”
Harin also said she wasn’t allowed to see her members before being sent back to Japan. Reflecting on the painful experience, she added:
“Looking back now, I think that experience made me who I am today and motivated me to work even harder.”
Born in 2003, Harin debuted earlier with Japanese idol group Shibu3 Project and reportedly passed the HYBE sub-label Source Music audition in 2020. She allegedly transferred to ADOR and was part of NewJeans’ debut lineup before dropping out.
After outrage and doubts surfaced, the article’s title was changed to “Harin, faces despair right before idol debut… What is the background of the idol-turned-actress wannabe?” The story was eventually removed.
Fans quickly pointed out inconsistencies. The company initially listed her only as part of Source Music’s debut group. After the controversy, ADOR was added—but ADOR was created in 2021, while Harin’s trainee period started in 2020.
Doubts are growing that this may be noise marketing for Harin’s fledgling acting career rather than a confirmed idol history. Fans remain skeptical as details don’t fully add up.
The situation is still developing, with no official statements from HYBE, Source Music, or ADOR.
