NewJeans' Comeback: Minji's Future in the Spotlight

NewJeans is gearing up for a comeback, but uncertainty looms over Minji's participation. While Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni are confirmed, Danielle's exit raises questions about Minji's future. ADOR has recently hinted at positive discussions regarding Minji's return, following a significant birthday acknowledgment from the group. Fans are eager for clarity after a tumultuous period marked by contract disputes and legal battles. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 7, 2026, 17:45 IST

NewJeans' Anticipated Return

The excitement surrounding NewJeans' return is intensifying. However, uncertainty persists regarding the number of members participating in the comeback. Currently, Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni are confirmed to be part of the group, while Danielle was removed in December 2025, leaving Minji's status unclear. Recently, Minji had not confirmed her return to NewJeans, but the agency ADOR has now addressed the ongoing speculation about her involvement. On May 7, the label issued a cautious yet optimistic statement indicating that discussions about Minji's future are progressing positively.

ADOR's Statement on Minji's Status

ADOR reacts to Minji's future in NewJeans

In a communication shared with MK Sports, ADOR mentioned that talks regarding Minji's future activities are ongoing, although they refrained from providing specific details. The agency stated, "We have been continuing internal discussions regarding her future activities. We cannot give you any detailed statements about the situation, but we hope that you can understand that discussions are generally proceeding in a positive direction." Despite the cautious language, fans interpreted this as a hopeful sign that reconciliation between Minji and the agency might be on the horizon after a prolonged period of uncertainty.

Celebrating Minji's Birthday

NewJeans wishes Minji on birthday

A new wave of discussions emerged when NewJeans' official social media accounts shared a surprise post celebrating Minji's 22nd birthday, captioned "HAPPY MINJI DAY." The post included images of cookies that Minji had baked and distributed to fans during a birthday café event. This update was particularly significant for fans, as it marked the first acknowledgment of Minji by the group's official channels since the fallout involving former ADOR CEO Min Hee-Jin and the contract disputes that arose in late 2024.

Background on NewJeans and ADOR Conflict

Rewind of NewJeans vs ADOR

The conflict began in November 2024 when all five members of NewJeans announced their decision to terminate their contracts with ADOR, citing violations by the agency. The members sought to pursue independent activities outside the company, but legal complications ensued. A court ruled in favor of ADOR regarding the contracts' validity, and the members chose not to appeal, leading to speculation that negotiations for a return might have quietly commenced.

Concerns from Fans

Fans, known as Bunnies, have expressed worries about NewJeans' future for several months. Earlier this year, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein were seen in Copenhagen, leading to speculation that the group might continue as a trio. Reports later indicated that they were preparing to return to ADOR, while Minji was engaged in separate discussions regarding her comeback. ADOR had previously announced that Danielle would no longer participate in NewJeans and had filed a significant damages lawsuit against Danielle, a family member, and Min Hee-Jin, further complicating the group's future.