Ex-Trainee’s Removed Allegations Regarding NJZ Ignite Intense Discussion
Harada Rin (Harin) sparks controversy over dropped NewJeans debut claims
Japanese model Harada Rin, better known as Harin, is facing backlash after a viral article claimed she was dropped from NewJeans (NJZ) just before debut. The article was pulled after its title was edited twice, raising questions about its credibility.
Harin’s profile states she trained under Source Music and HYBE. The article alleged she was originally part of NJZ’s debut lineup but was suddenly “crushed” out last minute.
The original article headline read:
“NJZ had a 5th member…Harin. Told to leave right before debut.”
Harin opened up on Japanese actor Hiromitsu Takeda’s YouTube channel about the ordeal:
“For two years, I practiced like crazy from morning until night without even sleeping,” Harin said.
“My parents were ready to go sign the contract, and the company CEO was saying, ‘Let’s debut our Harin.’ Everything was set.”
“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?”
“Looking back now, I think that experience made me who I am today and motivated me to work even harder.”
Harin, born in 2003, debuted early in the Japanese idol group Shibu3 Project before passing the HYBE sub-label Source Music audition in 2020. She later transferred to ADOR and was allegedly part of NewJeans’ debut lineup. After leaving the idol route, she shifted to modeling and acting in Korea.
The article’s title was later changed to:
“Harin, faces despair right before idol debut… What is the background of the idol-turned-actress wannabe?”
Fans quickly noted discrepancies. Initially, her company listed her only as part of Source Music’s debut group. After the buzz, “ADOR” was added — but ADOR was created in 2021, after her 2020 trainee period.
With mounting doubts over her story and background, many are dismissing this as noise-marketing ahead of her acting career launch.
The situation remains under watch as fans and netizens debate the legitimacy of Harin’s claims.