NewJeans Ignites Comeback Speculation with Four-Member Content
K-pop sensation NewJeans has sent fans into a frenzy, appearing to confirm a potential comeback as a four-member group. On July 22 in South Korea, coinciding with their fourth debut anniversary, a series of videos titled “2026 Summer of NewJeans” featuring Haerin, Hyein, Hanni, and Minji was posted on the group’s official YouTube channel. New photos also graced their official website and Instagram, sparking widespread excitement among Bunnies worldwide.
One of the clips featuring the four members quickly soared past 1.1 million views by 10.30 am on July 22, signaling immense anticipation for the group’s next steps.
A Shifting Lineup: Danielle’s Departure and Minji’s Return
Notably absent from all the new promotional material was the group’s fifth member, Danielle. She had departed from the global K-pop quintet late in 2025 after her contract was terminated by their agency, Ador, following a prolonged legal dispute. Her absence marks a significant shift for the group that originally captivated audiences as a five-piece.
The reappearance of Minji, however, is a major talking point. Her status with the group had been a mystery for months, with Ador’s most recent official stance being simply “under discussion.” This led to widespread speculation in April that NewJeans might be preparing for a comeback as a trio, after Hyein, Haerin, and Hanni were spotted in Denmark without Minji for a music production. Her prominent inclusion in the latest content is now fuelling hopes of her full return to the agency, though no official confirmation has been made regarding her contract status.
The Road Back: Contract Disputes and Ador’s Position
This journey back to the spotlight follows a tumultuous period for NewJeans. In November 2024, the original quintet announced their intention to terminate their contracts with Ador, citing company “mistreatment.” However, a court later sided with the agency in both an injunction and the main lawsuit, effectively restricting the group’s independent activities. Following this ruling that validated their contracts, Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni returned to Ador in late 2025.
Videos and photos released on July 22 commemorate the fourth anniversary of the group’s debut.
PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM NEWJEANS_OFFICIAL/YOUTUBE
The new content released on July 22 marks the four members’ first time appearing together on camera since the release of their Japanese debut single album, Supernatural, in June 2024.
Ador has clarified that these celebratory videos were specifically made for fans to mark the group’s fourth anniversary. The agency added that concrete plans for future activities will be officially announced once ongoing discussions are completed.
Meanwhile, former member Danielle also shared a reflective post on Instagram on the group’s debut anniversary. Her caption, “Life gets cloudy sometimes, but the light always finds its way back in,” resonated with many fans, adding another layer to the day’s events.
Celebrating Four Years of Impact
NewJeans burst onto the K-pop scene on July 22, 2022, with the instant hit “Attention.” They quickly became global sensations, celebrated for their refreshing Y2K-inspired aesthetic and a distinctive sound that bravely deviated from typical K-pop conventions. Their immediate success spawned other chart-toppers like “Hype Boy,” “Ditto,” and “Super Shy,” solidifying their place in the industry. The group has charted numerous times on the Billboard Hot 100 and made history as the first girl group in 12 years to clinch the prestigious Artist of the Year award at South Korea’s Mama Awards in 2023, a feat previously achieved by 2NE1 in 2010 and Girls’ Generation in 2011.
