On July 22 (KST), NewJeans shocked netizens by making their comeback with four members, the first new content since their lawsuit with ADOR. The sudden release, featuring Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein, immediately raised questions about the absence of member Danielle. Fans were left reeling, questioning the group’s future amidst ongoing internal disputes.
This unexpected lineup quickly fueled widespread concern and speculation across social media platforms.
It sparked major backlash. Many fans expressed immense disappointment and confusion, feeling that the group’s integrity was compromised by the missing member, especially given the turbulent background with ADOR.
The decision to proceed with only four members for new content was met with a flood of emotional responses, with “Where is Danielle?” trending worldwide.
Along with the video content, ADOR posted some new group photos with the four members. These highly anticipated visuals were intended to mark NewJeans’ return to the spotlight, offering fans a glimpse into their latest concept.
However, what was meant to be a celebratory moment quickly turned into another point of contention for their dedicated fandom, Bunnies.
Yet, along with anger at no Danielle, netizens were left heartbroken after seeing the group photos.
In particular, many thought that, along with the concept and aesthetics looking cheap, they pointed out that the members didn’t look happy in the photos, especially compared to what fans have seen from the group in the past. They believed that the members’ hearts were not in it, and that it made the photos seem lackluster and not the NewJeans they love. The visual quality and the palpable sadness perceived in the members’ expressions amplified fan worries, creating a stark contrast to NewJeans’ usual vibrant and joyful image. This left many feeling that the group’s authentic charm was missing, fueling further debate over the circumstances surrounding their return.
This just doesn’t look right. It looks cheap and rushed and the girls looks miserable https://t.co/AkQJdBNC2U
— it was a gi jane JOKE (@T0te1z) July 21, 2026
Their heart not in it fr https://t.co/f4mR0dv0ZQ
— RíN🍬 (@fujobehindbars) July 21, 2026
man this looks soulless, i hope the next 3 years pass quickly and they can end those damn contracts https://t.co/VVn1IDj8qv
— mar | SEEING TWICE ON BARCELONA!!! (@chaengcitaa) July 21, 2026
You can tell they aren’t feeling it. pic.twitter.com/blVjffaZLZ https://t.co/OGCMgwIwT4
— jade (@jaderockins) July 21, 2026
The clothes are cute, but this doesn’t look like New Jeans… and the girls don’t look happy.. https://t.co/e3Y3OBTnEi
literally none of them smiling in any picture this is depressing asf https://t.co/inY4vMKyGL
— Pikachu (@quarrelpinks) July 21, 2026
The emotional impact on Bunnies was undeniable, with many sharing their sorrow and calling for clarity and the full group’s return. The K-Pop community watches closely as this situation unfolds, hoping for a resolution that truly reflects the spirit of NewJeans.
