NewJeans signals potential comeback with 4-member lineup

The group NewJeans has released new official group content for the first time in approximately 1 year and 4 months to mark their 4th anniversary since debut. In particular, as Minji—who had been the subject of intense speculation regarding her future—also appeared, attention is focusing on the possibility of NewJeans resuming activities after a long hiatus.

On the 22nd, ADOR released a special film and group photos of the members through NewJeans' official channels without prior notice. The video features the four members currently with ADOR: Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein.

This content is a special video produced to celebrate NewJeans' 4th anniversary. It marks the first time the team has presented new group content through their official channels since their performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong last March. As the video was released following a long period of inactivity, fan reactions have been intense.

Above all, the biggest point of interest was Minji's inclusion. Previously, ADOR had only maintained a principled stance regarding discussions with the members, stating that "discussions are progressing in a positive direction." As the video revealed Minji naturally interacting with the other members, some industry observers are interpreting this as the actual beginning of the process for her return to the team.

Following the dismissal of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin in 2024, NewJeans experienced conflicts with their agency and held a press conference in November of the same year to declare the termination of their exclusive contracts. However, in the subsequent legal proceedings, the court accepted ADOR's arguments in both the injunction and the main lawsuit, resulting in restrictions on the members' independent activities. Ultimately, NewJeans entered a long hiatus, effectively suspending activities after their performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong.

Since then, the members' paths have shifted. In November last year, Haerin and Hyein returned to ADOR first, and Hanni joined in December of the same year. On the other hand, Danielle, who notified the termination of her contract amid unresolved conflicts with ADOR, has been engaged in a legal dispute to this day and did not participate in this content.

While the release of this video has raised expectations for future group activities, ADOR maintained a cautious stance.

ADOR explained, "This video is content prepared to be with fans to celebrate NewJeans' 4th anniversary since debut," adding, "Future activity plans and specific schedules will be officially announced after all related discussions are finalized."

Having debuted on July 22, 2022, NewJeans has grown into a representative K-pop girl group, scoring consecutive hits with 'Attention', 'Hype Boy', 'Ditto', 'OMG', and 'Super Shy'. In particular, their second mini-album 'Get Up', released in 2023, proved their unrivaled presence in the global market by becoming the second K-pop girl group to top the US Billboard main album chart, the 'Billboard 200'.

However, new album activities have been suspended since the Japanese single 'Supernatural' in June 2024. It remains uncertain whether this 4th anniversary content will end as simple fan service or serve as a signal for a full-scale resumption of activities. Nevertheless, the fact that four members, including Minji, have gathered on one screen again is being viewed as a significant development that fans and the music industry are watching closely.