Surprise anniversary release
On July 22, marking the fourth anniversary of their debut, NewJeans posted a surprise video titled "2026 Summer of NewJeans" on the group's official YouTube channel at midnight without prior notice, according to Yonhap News Agency. The release included new photos of four members on the group's official homepage and Instagram. It was the group's first group-based content in one year and four months. One clip on YouTube had amassed more than 1.1 million views as of 10:30 a.m. KST on July 22, according to The Straits Times.
Four-member configuration
The video and photos featured Haerin, Hyein, Minji, and Hanni, while fifth member Danielle was notably absent. ADOR said the video was made as commemorative content for fans to celebrate the group's fourth anniversary. The agency added that detailed plans for future activities would be announced once talks are completed.
Agency dispute and legal backdrop
NewJeans had effectively been on hiatus after a bitter dispute with its agency, ADOR, over the dismissal of former CEO Min Hee-jin and the status of its exclusive contracts. NewJeans announced in November 2024 that it was terminating its contracts with ADOR, but the court later sided with the agency in both an injunction case and the main lawsuit, restricting the group's independent activities. Following the ruling, members Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni returned to ADOR last year, while ADOR announced it had terminated its contract with original fifth member Danielle.
Minji's status and comeback speculation
Industry observers said the new four-member video and photos suggested progress toward a resumption of group activities. The release also fueled speculation that Minji may be moving toward a return to the agency, although nothing had been confirmed despite her appearance in the new materials. ADOR had previously said it was discussing Minji's case in a positive direction. Earlier in April, speculation had surfaced that the group might be preparing for a comeback as a trio after Hyein, Haerin, and Hanni were spotted in Denmark without Minji for a music production, according to The Straits Times.
Danielle's departure and her anniversary message
Danielle left the group late in 2025 after her contract was terminated by ADOR following a prolonged legal dispute. On the group's fourth anniversary, former member Danielle shared a post on her own Instagram page with a selfie, writing in English: "Life gets cloudy sometimes, but the light always finds its way back in. Until then, keep shining. Forever grateful."
Background and next steps
NewJeans debuted on July 22, 2022, with the release of the music video for "Attention," and quickly became one of the most successful girl groups of their generation with hits that included "Hype Boy," "Ditto," "OMG," and "Super Shy." The group reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in August 2023 with its second EP, "Get Up," becoming the second K-pop girl group to top the chart. The new content marks the four members' first time appearing together on camera since the release of their Japanese debut single album, "Supernatural," in June 2024. ADOR said it would continue to post follow-up content, with a near-term signal being the expected announcement of future activity plans once internal discussions conclude.
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