On December 16, 2024, NewJeans delivered a memorable performance of their song “Supernatural“ at the Warner Bros’ Harry Potter studio, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, in Japan. The group members donned Hogwarts uniforms, complete with magic wands, echoing the attire from the Harry Potter films.
The performance drew widespread acclaim from fans and netizens alike, who noted the impressive scale and creativity of the event. Posts on X highlighted the group’s reception in Japan, with one user stating, “Shows how much Japan values NewJeans.” Another fan commented, “everything about this performance is truly amazing… IM IN LOVE,” reflecting the high praise for the performance’s execution and concept.
Fans React to the Magical Performance
Fans lauded Japan for recognizing NewJeans, especially considering the group’s recent agency departure. Comments on X praised the elaborate setup, with one user noting, “The budget of this performance is insane and the fact they are without label and giving this performance is even craziest japan really love newjeans they don’t play about them.”
The performance was celebrated for its uniqueness, as another fan expressed, “new jeans doing supernatural in harry potter theme is not in my bingo card, this might be my fave supernatural performance.” The dedication to the theme, down to the set and costumes, was seen as a testament to the group’s popularity and Japan’s investment in their success.
Fans and netizens expressed their admiration for the group’s performance, with many highlighting the effort put into the production. Here’s what some fans had to say:
A tweet by user Cake also went viral, saying:
still can’t believe we have Hogwarts Jeanz rn. Just thinking abt the copyright and set costs shows how much Japan values NewJeans https://t.co/4iFemZ2VzT
“everything about this performance is truly amazing… IM IN LOVE,” said a fan on X.
“I’ll say it again I love their contents in Japan,” added another fan.
“The budget of this performance is insane and the fact they are without label and giving this performance is even craziest japan really love newjeans they don’t play about them,” commented a netizen.
More fans and netizens talked about how NewJean’s performance at the Warner Bros studio in Japan was impressive.
“new jeans doing supernatural in harry potter theme is not in my bingo card, this might be my fave supernatural performance,” stated a fan.
“imagine the whole budget for this concept and it’s for new jeans only,” added an X user.
“Nj is the best group ever, they always do more than i expected. Whole set is amazing and their performance is perfect,” stated a netizen.
“somehow they’re all giving hermoine, this is my favorite performance from them yet,” added another user.
The scale of the production and the group’s ability to pull off such an intricate concept without agency backing sparked conversations about their growing influence and recognition, especially in Japan.
NewJeans’ Departure from ADOR
Prior to this performance, NewJeans made headlines for their decision to part ways with their agency, ADOR, following unresolved disputes. On November 28, 2024, the group held an emergency press conference to announce the termination of their exclusive contracts.
The press conference came after a 14-day ultimatum issued by NewJeans to ADOR, which outlined specific demands for better treatment and protection. Despite receiving a response from ADOR an hour before the conference, the group remained firm in their decision. Minji, one of the members, explained:
“They sent their response an hour before and we confirmed it. The contents of the email were serious. The email stated that 14 days was not enough time, that they regretted there was no communication with ADOR, and that there were matters they couldn’t address because they weren’t ADOR’s doing. However, they took no substantial action… The email was full of lies and excuses and was merely a stalling tactic. Therefore, we are terminating our exclusive contract as of midnight on the 29th.”
Despite ADOR’s public statement expressing regret and requesting the group reconsider their decision, the members stood by their choice, citing a lack of trust and growth opportunities within the agency.
Hopeful Signs for the Future
While concerns lingered about how NewJeans would navigate the industry without agency support, their recent schedule in Japan—including the Hogwarts-themed performance—reassured fans about their resilience and ability to continue delivering high-quality content.