HYBE girl groups unite was all fans could talk about after the new group photo from Inspire Arena went viral. Excitement ran high as LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE stood together for the first time in one frame. However, while HYBE girl groups unite brought joy to many, some couldn’t ignore what was missing. The Related Key Phrase, NewJeans absence controversy, quickly spread online, leaving fans with mixed emotions about this big moment for HYBE’s artists.
HYBE Girl Groups Unite for an Iconic Backstage Moment
The buzz began when HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk shared a backstage photo on April 22nd. In the picture, members of LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE struck poses together, looking happy and full of energy. This was taken at LE SSERAFIM’s world tour concert at Inspire Arena in Incheon. The post included hashtags for each group and the words “United!” Fans of HYBE girl groups unite felt proud to see their favorite stars supporting each other.
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For many, it looked like a big family gathering. After all, LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE are some of the most popular girl groups under the HYBE label right now. The smiles on their faces made it seem like there was nothing but friendship and teamwork between them. But, as the Related Key Phrase NewJeans absence controversy started to trend, not everyone felt the same excitement.
NewJeans Absence Controversy Clouds the Celebration
Even though fans were happy to see the HYBE girl groups unite, the missing piece to this puzzle was hard to miss. NewJeans, another famous girl group under HYBE but managed by a sub-label called ADOR, was nowhere in the group picture. This led to the NewJeans absence controversy, making some fans question what was really going on behind the scenes.
Since November last year, NewJeans members have been involved in a legal battle with their label, ADOR. They wanted to end their contracts and start their own activities as “NJZ.” However, this move led to arguments about who really owned the group’s name and whether they could work without ADOR’s help. In March, a court decided that ADOR would stay as NewJeans’ management agency. The judge ruled that the members could not perform, write songs, go on TV, or sign any deals without ADOR’s approval.
After NewJeans appealed the ruling, the court dismissed their objection again in April. This confirmed that ADOR still had control over what NewJeans could do as a group. So, while HYBE girl groups unite, NewJeans’ legal situation means they are missing from group activities and public celebrations like this backstage photo.
The Impact of Missing Members on HYBE’s United Front
Bang Si Hyuk’s post was meant to show the world how HYBE girl groups unite and support each other, no matter what. By posting about LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE coming together, he hoped to showcase the strength of HYBE’s female artists. But with the NewJeans absence controversy growing, fans noticed the group’s unity did not feel complete.
The absence of NewJeans added an uncomfortable silence to the otherwise joyful moment. Some fans even said the picture felt like a family photo with a missing sister. As the legal drama continues, it’s clear that the story of HYBE girl groups unite cannot be truly complete without all members present. For now, friendships grow among the groups who showed up, but many Kpop fans hope for a day when all of HYBE’s talented girl groups can stand together, side by side.
Final Thoughts: HYBE Girl Groups Unite—But What About NewJeans?
In the end, this special backstage photo made waves because HYBE girl groups unite for a rare and joyful moment. But it also started conversations about NewJeans and their ongoing legal troubles. As fans watch and hope for changes, one question remains—can HYBE girl groups unite fully if someone is still left out? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
