NewJeans’ Comeback Looms: Copenhagen Visit Hints at New Music, Minji’s Return Uncertain
Is the K-pop girl group NewJeans’ comeback finally on the horizon? And will Minji rejoin the group for this anticipated return?
Recent updates regarding NewJeans’ comeback have surfaced, with the location identified as Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. A document seemingly showing a recording studio booking in Copenhagen under ADOR’s name from April 13 to 17 has circulated on social media. Furthermore, reports, accompanied by photos, emerged of members Haerin and Hyein visiting a famous Danish toy brand, LEGO store. It was also noted that they were carrying cameras, reportedly for filming purposes.
In response, ADOR confirmed to Star News on April 27, “Hyein, Haerin, and Hanni did visit Copenhagen, Denmark, with staff.” The agency further stated, “NewJeans members’ visit to Copenhagen is part of the pre-production process to capture a new musical narrative.” They added, “NewJeans members are currently preparing for activities according to their individual conditions and optimized schedules. We will officially announce the members’ future endeavors at the most opportune time.”
Even without an explicit confirmation of a comeback date, NewJeans appears to be progressing toward their return. Even if their trip to Copenhagen isn’t an immediate build-up for a comeback, it signifies that Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein are preparing for their return to NewJeans after rejoining ADOR, and their comeback is only a matter of time.
Naturally, attention is now sharply focused on whether Minji will join them.
Previously, following the announcement of Haerin and Hyein’s return, ADOR released an official statement on December 29, 2025, stating, “After the final ruling on the lawsuit confirming the validity of exclusive contracts, we have had many conversations with Minji, Hanni, Danielle, and the families of the three members. After honest discussions, Hanni decided to stay with ADOR, respecting the court’s decision.” The statement also added, “Minji is also in discussions with ADOR, and negotiations are ongoing.” However, for Danielle, ADOR “determined it would be difficult for her to continue as a NewJeans member and an artist under ADOR, and therefore notified her of contract termination.”
ADOR further announced, “In Danielle’s case, we decided it would be difficult for her to continue as a NewJeans member and an artist under ADOR, and we have therefore terminated her exclusive contract today. Furthermore, we plan to pursue legal action against one member of Danielle’s family and former CEO Min Hee-jin, who are largely responsible for causing this dispute and delaying NewJeans’ departure and return.”
The Road to Reconciliation: NewJeans Members’ Return Amidst Legal Battles
NewJeans declared their contract termination in November 2024, citing ADOR’s breach of obligations, among other reasons. Following a legal battle, in October, the court again ruled in favor of ADOR in a lawsuit seeking confirmation of the exclusive contract’s validity. ADOR subsequently announced that members Haerin and Hyein expressed their intention to return. Immediately after, Minji, Hanni, and Danielle also conveyed their desire to return. Through their legal representatives, the three stated, “After careful discussion, we have decided to return to ADOR.” They added, “One member is currently in Antarctica, which delayed the communication, but since ADOR has not yet responded, we had no choice but to announce our position separately.” However, the three members released their statement individually before concluding discussions with ADOR. At the time, ADOR stated, “We are verifying the authenticity of their intentions” and “are coordinating individual meeting schedules.”
In contrast to Danielle, who faced firm legal action, ADOR’s decisions regarding Hanni and Minji were different.
In Hanni’s case, despite her sharp criticisms against HYBE and ADOR, even addressing the National Assembly over the ‘ignore’ remarks issue, her decision to return was unexpected. Minji’s current status, even past April of this year, remains a question mark, adding to the intrigue. Minji, who has showcased her presence as the group’s leader, seems to have not yet reached a complete agreement with ADOR since her return declaration through her legal representative.
The outcome of discussions with Minji will undoubtedly significantly impact NewJeans’ comeback. If Minji decides to return (though a complete five-member comeback may be missed), it would still lay the groundwork for a positive restart of activities, albeit belatedly. Of course, an apology for the past legal disputes also seems necessary.
At the time, ADOR explained, “During the discussion process, we learned that the members had heard continuously distorted and biased information over a long period, leading to many misunderstandings about the company and resulting in the dispute. We agreed that to restore the love of fans and the public, it is necessary to fully resolve these misunderstandings based on accurate facts, even if it takes some time. Furthermore, we agreed to have an opportunity to address various controversies that arose during the dispute process at a later date, and we are currently discussing the timing and method.” Regarding Minji, it was conveyed that the situation was not as negative as Danielle’s, and while discussions ongoing since the first-instance ruling have been prolonged, it’s premature to conclude a negative atmosphere.
Minji’s potential comeback to NewJeans, especially given her absence from the Copenhagen schedule, currently does not seem high.
