NewJeans celebrated its fourth debut anniversary with a special surprise for fans, but the group’s latest content has also led to many fans questioning its future. On July 22, the girl group released a commemorative film and a new group photo as part of its ‘NewJeans Day’ celebrations. While the content featured Hanni, Haerin, Hyein and Minji together, ADOR has clarified that Minji’s appearance does not confirm her official return to the agency or the group’s future activities. The agency stated that discussions with the members are still ongoing and nothing is set in stone.
ADOR clarifies Minji’s NewJeans comeback is not confirmed
NewJeans marked its fourth debut anniversary on July 22 by releasing a special commemorative film and a new group photo through the group’s official social media accounts as part of its
The content immediately caught fans’ attention as it featured Hanni, Haerin, Hyein and Minji together. It also marked the first time in nearly two years that the members appeared together in official content since the release of their Japanese debut single Supernatural in the summer of 2024.
Minji’s inclusion in the anniversary video quickly fuelled speculation that her return to ADOR had finally been confirmed. However, the agency has now clarified that her appearance in the commemorative content should not be interpreted as an announcement regarding her future with the company.
ADOR released a statement explaining that the anniversary content was created solely to celebrate the group’s fourth debut anniversary with fans. The agency said, “This video is commemorative content produced for NewJeans’ 4th debut anniversary so fans can celebrate together.” The statement further added that they plan to announce NewJeans’ future activities and how they will proceed after discussions with the members have been fully concluded.
NewJeans with 4 members
The statement makes it clear that no final decision has been announced regarding Minji’s official return or the group’s future promotional activities.
Why Minji’s appearance sparked speculation
At the end of last year, ADOR officially confirmed that Hanni, Haerin and Hyein had returned to the agency. However, Minji’s situation remained unresolved, with the company stating that discussions regarding her return were still ongoing. Although Minji had previously expressed her intention to return to ADOR in accordance with the court’s ruling, the agency has continued to maintain that no final agreement has been reached.
Her appearance alongside the other members in the anniversary film therefore led many fans to believe that the remaining issues had been resolved and that an official comeback announcement would soon follow. Now, while Minji’s door to the group is neither shut, nor is it fully open yet, another member has been removed from the group and sued by the agency.
Will Minji join the girls or will she meet Danielle’s fate? ADOR’s next statement might clarify things.