NewJeans reunites without Danielle... Releases content featuring all four members, including Minji

[Financial News] NewJeans surprised fans by unveiling content featuring four members to mark the group’s fourth debut anniversary. In particular, Minji, whose status had remained uncertain, appeared in the release, leading some to interpret it as a sign that the full group may be returning.
On the 22nd, a video titled "2026 Summer of NewJeans" was uploaded to NewJeans’ official YouTube channel.
The video shows Minji first, followed by Hyein, Hanni, and Haerin, as they take each other’s hands and talk.
The content was released to commemorate NewJeans’ fourth debut anniversary. In addition, special films under each member’s name were posted on the official YouTube channel, while group photos and individual photos were also shared on the official social networking service (SNS).
This is the first time in one year and four months that NewJeans has unveiled new content as a team, since its performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong in March last year.
Previously, after the dismissal of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, NewJeans clashed with its agency and declared the termination of its exclusive contract at a press conference in November 2024.
However, the court ruled in ADOR’s favor in both the injunction request and the first trial of the lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contract. The members then stated their intention to return to the agency one by one without filing appeals.
Earlier, in March last year, NewJeans announced a suspension of activities at its ComplexCon Hong Kong performance, saying, "We have decided to stop all activities in compliance with the court’s decision."
Later, Haerin and Hyein returned to ADOR in November last year, and Hanni also went back to the agency in December.
ADOR had said it was discussing Minji’s case in a positive direction. With Minji appearing in this content, speculation is growing that she may have returned to ADOR and will continue NewJeans’ activities.
However, ADOR said it had notified Danielle of contract termination in December last year, citing responsibility for the delay in her return after leaving the team. Legal proceedings are now under way.
According to Yonhap News Agency, ADOR said of the video, "This video was produced as commemorative content to celebrate NewJeans’ fourth debut anniversary with fans." It added, "We plan to announce NewJeans’ specific activity plans and format after discussions are fully finalized."
Meanwhile, NewJeans debuted in July 2022 with the surprise release of the music video for its first single, "Attention." The group quickly became a sensation by following up with hits such as "Hype Boy," "Ditto," and "Super Shy."
In August 2023, NewJeans’ second mini album, "Get Up," reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard main album chart, Billboard 200, making the group the second K-pop girl group ever to do so.
[email protected] Kim Su-yeon Reporter