URGENT UPDATE: Former HYBE trainee Harin, also known as Harada Rin, has issued a heartfelt statement following a wave of hate comments and controversy tied to her recent revelations about her past as a trainee. This statement comes on the heels of her appearance on Takeda Hiromitsu‘s YouTube channel, where she discussed her journey in the K-pop industry.
In her candid interview, Harin shared her experiences and the abrupt end to her dreams of debuting with a group many believe to be N-Team, a project linked to the popular group NJZ (formerly known as NewJeans). Harin, born in 2003, was previously a member of the local idol group Shibu3 Project before passing auditions for Source Music in 2020. She claims she was unexpectedly terminated from her contract right before the anticipated debut, a decision that left her feeling devastated.
“Right before debut, due to a sudden company decision, I had to give up my dream of becoming an idol,” Harin stated. “One day, I was suddenly told to terminate my contract and was the only one given the notice to ‘leave,’ so I had to immediately get on a plane back home.”
This shocking news triggered a significant increase in attention to Harin’s social media platforms, but it was not all positive. She faced a barrage of malicious comments, prompting her to clarify her feelings in an official statement released on August 14, 2025.
“Hello, this is Harin. Lately, I’ve been feeling both grateful and a little concerned about the sudden surge of attention I’ve received,” she wrote. “What I shared in the interview was simply my deeply personal feelings of frustration and disappointment from the past, not an attempt to criticize or expose any specific company or individual.”
Harin emphasized that while her past was challenging, it was also a transformative period that helped her grow stronger. “Even now, I continue to support the members I laughed and cried with back then! I’ll work harder to improve on my shortcomings and show you a better side of me,” she added.
As the community reacts to her statement, the discussion around Harin’s experiences continues to unfold. Her comments have ignited debates about transparency and support in the K-pop industry, particularly regarding the pressures faced by young idols. Fans and critics alike are encouraged to reflect on the impact of their words in light of Harin’s experience.
With the K-pop landscape constantly evolving, Harin’s story serves as a reminder of the emotional toll that the industry can exact on its artists. As her journey progresses, many are eager to see how she will navigate the challenges ahead and what her future holds in the competitive world of entertainment.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Harin continues to engage with her supporters and share her journey.
