NewJeans Trio Comeback

K-pop sensation NewJeans has officially commenced preparations for their anticipated comeback, though notably without member Minji, sparking significant questions about the group’s future lineup and roster.

Ador, the agency behind NewJeans, confirmed on Tuesday that members Hyein, Haerin, and Hanni recently journeyed to Copenhagen, Denmark, for crucial music production sessions. Minji’s notable absence from this trip has intensified speculation that the popular K-pop group might potentially return as a trio for their next release.

The renowned five-member K-pop act has experienced a period of inactivity stemming from a prolonged legal dispute with its management agency. In November 2024, the members reportedly notified Ador of their intent to terminate contracts, citing alleged breaches of management obligations. Ador’s subsequent lawsuit to confirm contract validity resulted in a first-instance ruling against the members, effectively pausing all NewJeans group activities for an extended duration.

Last November, Ador officially confirmed the impending return of Hyein, Haerin, and Hanni, while simultaneously announcing the termination of its contract with member Danielle and indicating plans for further legal action. Minji’s official status, however, remains conspicuously unresolved, with the agency’s latest update stating her situation is “under discussion” regarding her future with NewJeans.

Comeback rumors intensified after Hyein and Haerin were observed at a Copenhagen store with staff on April 15, based on footage shared by a Chinese tourist. Hanni was subsequently confirmed to also be in Denmark. Ador initially told The Korea Herald it could not confirm specific schedules or the nature of any filming at that point.

Further fueling these speculations, an alleged studio booking document circulated online on Monday, indicating a Copenhagen recording studio was reserved under Ador’s name from April 13 to 16. This detail drew considerable attention, especially since NewJeans remains the label’s sole active artist.

In response to these burgeoning reports, Ador stated on Monday that the Copenhagen visit constituted “a pre-production process designed to build NewJeans’ new musical narrative.”

“The NewJeans members are currently preparing for their upcoming activities based on individual conditions and optimized schedules,” the agency elaborated. “We commit to sharing official updates regarding their future plans at the appropriate time.”

While Ador’s statement did not directly mention Minji, its phrasing seemingly left open the possibility of her eventual participation in the group’s activities.

Industry insiders, however, cautioned against prematurely assuming NewJeans will exclusively return as a trio, highlighting that music recording can often commence with partial member participation and be finalized at a later stage.

“Indeed, song production for a K-pop group can certainly begin without all members being present,” an industry official commented. “It would, in fact, be more unusual for Minji to suddenly join overseas recording sessions if her return has not been officially finalized. However, the overarching concern is that sustained activity by only three members could significantly fuel speculation that she might also choose to depart, mirroring Danielle’s earlier decision.”

Minji has yet to formally confirm her return to NewJeans, now more than six months after Hyein, Haerin, and Hanni signaled their comeback. Some industry observers suggest that ongoing disagreements over revised contract terms might be the primary factor delaying her final decision.

Another industry source further elaborated that the window for a seamless full-group return for NewJeans appears to be narrowing, rendering Minji’s eventual participation in their upcoming activities increasingly uncertain.

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