NewJeans Haerin regains signature feline look with iconic canine teeth

Interest is surging online as NewJeans' Haerin has been spotted with a tooth shape that appears to have changed once again. This comes about a month after she drew attention for appearing to have lost her signature sharp canine teeth.

On the 17th, an interview video of Haerin was released on Marie Claire Korea's official SNS with the caption, "The appearance of the cat we've missed so much." Filmed during a photoshoot for the September issue, the video shows Haerin exuding her characteristic pure and mysterious aura while wearing a white jacket.

What captured fans' attention was her teeth rather than her overall appearance. Since her debut, Haerin has garnered attention for her unique dental structure, where both canine teeth are slightly pointed. Combined with her sharp eyes, round face line, and signature expressionless vibe, her canine teeth have been cited as one of the representative physical traits that grant her a 'cat-like' image.

However, in some photos and videos released recently, her teeth appeared more even, and her canines were relatively less noticeable. This led to online speculation that she might have undergone dental procedures such as laminates.

However, neither Haerin nor her agency, ADOR, has officially disclosed whether she underwent any dental procedures, including laminates. Therefore, it is difficult to conclude whether actual procedures took place based solely on photos or videos, as the visible shape of teeth can vary significantly depending on camera angles, facial expressions, lighting, and lip position.

Nevertheless, some fans who loved Haerin's original image expressed regret over the change. They reacted that since her canine teeth had been one of the elements constituting Haerin's unique individuality since her debut, the change might have diluted her signature 'cat-like' charm.

In the recently released video, however, her canine teeth appeared more prominent than before. In particular, as her sharp teeth were revealed while smiling or speaking, the impression reminiscent of her early debut days became even stronger.

Online reactions included comments such as, "It looks like she returned to her old tooth look," "I can see her canines again," and "This look suits Haerin much better." As the impression of her teeth seems to change with every image released in such a short period, fans' interest is naturally continuing.

The reason small changes in appearance become a hot topic is that Haerin's teeth are more than just a physical trait; they are closely linked to her image. Especially in the case of idols, seemingly minor elements like tooth shape, in addition to eye shape or hairstyles, act as a visual signifier through which the public perceives the individual. Given that Haerin's canine teeth have established themselves as part of what fans recognize as 'Haerin-ness' over a long period, the change itself is being received sensitively.

Haerin recently resumed her solo activities by gracing the cover of the September issue of Marie Claire. This is significant as it is her first magazine cover shoot in about a year and six months since 'Elle Japan' in February last year.

In particular, this photoshoot drew attention as it marks Haerin's first solo activity after returning to ADOR following the conflicts surrounding her exclusive contract. Haerin decided to return to ADOR along with Hyein last November.

However, this photoshoot activity and the resumption of NewJeans' musical activities are separate matters. ADOR has stated that they will provide guidance regarding NewJeans' future activities as soon as specific musical plans and methods are finalized.

It is not just the canine teeth that have returned. Haerin's unique image, which has been imprinted on fans for a long time, has also reappeared. It is a scene that demonstrates how much of an impact the difference in impression created by a single small tooth can have on an idol's individuality and identity.