NewJeans' Comeback Hinges on Minji as ADOR Says Talks Are Ongoing

Seven months have passed since NewJeans members Hanni, Haerin and Hyein returned to ADOR, while Minji's future with the group remains unresolved. As uncertainty continues, industry insiders increasingly warn that an extended delay could have significant consequences for the group's future.

It has now been 14 months since all five members of NewJeans last stood in front of fans together. The group's most recent performance took place at ComplexCon Hong Kong in March 2025, while its last release as an active act was the Japanese single "Supernatural" in June 2024, shortly before legal disputes brought activities to a halt.

As the hiatus stretches on, fan reactions have gradually become more divided. While many still believe a comeback is inevitable, uncertainty surrounding the group's lineup has fueled growing skepticism. The biggest question remains Minji's undecided status. Hanni, Haerin and Hyein chose to return to ADOR in November last year, while Danielle left the group after the termination of her exclusive contract with the agency.

Across online communities, frustration over the lack of clarity has become increasingly visible. Some fans have questioned the prolonged delay, with comments such as, "I don't understand why it's taking so long," while others have expressed concerns that "Even if they come back, it won't feel the same as before." Worries about the group's future identity and musical direction have also become more widespread.

Industry observers believe a comeback within this year remains possible if Minji decides in the near future. Expectations grew after reports emerged that members had traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark, in April to work on new music. ADOR later described the trip as part of a pre-production process to develop NewJeans' next musical narrative.

The explanation has fueled speculation that the members participated in a songwriting camp, where artists, producers and songwriters gather to create new material over a concentrated period. Some industry sources believe the sessions were intended to lay the groundwork for a comeback, allowing preparations to move forward quickly once Minji's future is determined.

ADOR told K-POPIT on June 2 that it is currently in discussions with Minji regarding a return to activities and is making every effort to conclude those talks as soon as possible.

However, ADOR cannot afford to wait indefinitely. Because Minji remains one of the members most closely associated with NewJeans' identity, the agency is likely keeping the door open for her return. But time is becoming an increasingly important factor.

According to industry sources, a comeback built around a major album release and large-scale promotional campaign typically requires at least four months of preparation. With June approaching, the timeline for a return this year is growing increasingly tight. Some industry observers believe that if Minji does not make a decision soon, a comeback this year could become increasingly difficult.

The longer the uncertainty continues, the greater the risks become for all parties involved. K-POP is a fast-moving industry, and even globally successful artists can lose momentum during extended absences. Groups that debuted around the same time as NewJeans have continued to grow their fan bases and establish themselves as leading acts in the market. For a group that became a global phenomenon almost immediately after debuting, every additional month of inactivity represents a missed opportunity to strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive industry.

Many industry insiders now regard Minji's decision as the key variable determining NewJeans' future. In their view, a three-member lineup consisting of Hanni, Haerin and Hyein would be fundamentally different from a version that also includes Minji. Some believe a return without her could deepen divisions within the fandom and make it more difficult to retain the group's existing support base.

An industry insider also expressed concern that continued indecision could ultimately affect the group's future. "The longer the uncertainty drags on, the greater the risk of losing both public attention and fan loyalty," the source said. "To rebuild momentum and reestablish the group's presence in the market, a comeback within this year would likely be critical."