NewJeans surprised fans on July 22, the fourth anniversary of their debut, by releasing a special group video featuring Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein. The video was uploaded without prior notice at midnight KST through the group’s official YouTube channel, marking the first newly produced official team content from NewJeans in one year and four months.

The unexpected release has fueled speculation that the group may finally be preparing to resume activities following its lengthy legal dispute with agency ADOR.

The anniversary video features Minji, Hyein, Hanni, and Haerin together, delighting fans who have waited more than a year to see the members reunited in official content.

NewJeans last released new team content before announcing a halt to activities after their independently organized performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong in March 2025. At the time, the members said they would suspend activities in compliance with the court’s ruling. Since then, the group has remained largely inactive while navigating an ongoing contract dispute with ADOR.

The conflict between NewJeans and ADOR began after the dismissal of former CEO Min Hee Jin. In November 2024, the members publicly declared that they were terminating their exclusive contracts with the agency. However, Korean courts repeatedly ruled in ADOR’s favor, both in preliminary injunction proceedings and the main lawsuit, preventing the group from carrying out independent activities.

Following the legal decisions:

  • Haerin and Hyein officially returned to ADOR in November 2025.
  • Hanni followed by rejoining the company in December 2025.
  • ADOR previously stated that discussions with Minji were progressing in a positive direction.
  • Danielle remains the only member whose future with the agency appears unresolved, with ADOR announcing contract termination in December 2025 while attributing responsibility for her departure from the group.

The inclusion of Minji in the anniversary video has prompted renewed speculation that negotiations regarding her future may have reached a favorable conclusion.

Although ADOR has not officially announced Minji’s status, many industry observers believe the video signals that she is likely to continue as a member of NewJeans under the agency. The company, however, stopped short of confirming any comeback plans. “This video was produced as commemorative content so fans can celebrate NewJeans’ fourth debut anniversary together,” ADOR said.

The agency added that details regarding the group’s future activities and promotional plans would be announced after all discussions have been fully concluded.

While no official comeback has been confirmed, the release represents the strongest sign yet that NewJeans may soon return to group activities. The appearance of four members together in official content the first in 16 months has reignited excitement among fans eager for the group’s next chapter.

Following ADOR’s anniversary post featuring Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein that sent waves across the internet, Danielle drew major attention with a update of her own. Notably absent from the group’s video, the former member shared two photos on Instagram alongside a pointed caption: “Life gets cloudy sometimes, but the light always finds its way back in. Until then, keep shining. Forever grateful”

NewJeans debuted on July 22, 2022, by unexpectedly releasing the music video for “Attention.” The group quickly became one of K-pop’s biggest breakout acts with consecutive hits including: Attention, Hype Boy, Ditto, OMG, Super Shy. In August 2023, their second EP Get Up became the second K-pop girl group album ever to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The group’s most recent music release was the Japanese single “Supernatural,” which arrived in June 2024.

Sources: 네이트 뉴스