'Denmark-bound' NewJeans: Will They Return as a Trio Without Minji? [★FOCUS]

*This content was translated by AI.

Is the comeback timing for girl group NewJeans becoming faintly visible? And will Minji truly not return with them?

An update regarding NewJeans' comeback was unexpectedly captured. The location is Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. Documents appearing to show that a recording studio located there was booked under the name ADOR from April 13 to 17 were circulated via social media. Additionally, reports surfaced with photos of Haerin and Hyein visiting a famous Danish toy brand's Lego shop. It was also reported that they were carrying cameras that appeared to be for filming purposes.

In response, ADOR stated to StarNews on April 27 that "Hyein, Haerin, and Hani did indeed visit Copenhagen, Denmark, with staff." They further added, "The members' visit to Copenhagen is part of a pre-production process to incorporate a new musical narrative." They also noted, "NewJeans members are currently preparing for activities according to each member's condition and schedules optimized for them. We will officially announce the members' future plans at the most appropriate time."

Although there was no explicit mention of a confirmed comeback, it has been confirmed that NewJeans is indeed following the steps of a comeback. Even if their trip to Copenhagen is not immediately a buildup for a comeback, they are preparing to return to NewJeans after Hani, Haerin, and Hyein return to ADOR, and the timing of their return is merely a matter of time.

Naturally, attention is focused on whether Minji will join them.

Earlier, following the announcement of Haerin and Hyein's return, ADOR issued an official statement on December 29, 2025, stating, "After the finalization of the court ruling on the confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contract, we have had many conversations with Minji, Hani, Daniel, and the families of the three members. After sincere discussions, Hani decided to remain with ADOR, respecting the court's ruling." They also stated, "Minji is also in discussions with ADOR, and we are continuing the negotiations." Regarding Daniel, they added, "As he is a NewJeans member and an artist under ADOR, we determined that it would be difficult for him to continue together, and we have notified him of the termination of his exclusive contract."

ADOR announced, "Regarding Daniel, as he is a NewJeans member and an artist under ADOR, we determined that it would be difficult for him to continue together, and we have notified him of the termination of his exclusive contract today. Furthermore, we intend to hold Daniel's family member and Min Hee-jin Jeon (CEO) legally accountable for their significant responsibility in causing this dispute, leading to NewJeans' departure and the delay in their return."

NewJeans declared contract termination last November 2024, citing ADOR's breach of obligations, among other reasons. After legal proceedings, the court ruled in favor of ADOR in October in a lawsuit filed by ADOR seeking confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contract with NewJeans. Following this, ADOR announced that members Haerin and Hyein had expressed their intention to return. Shortly after, Minji, Hani, and Daniel also conveyed their intention to return. Through law firm Hanil, the three stated, "After careful deliberation, we have decided to return to ADOR. One member is currently in Antarctica, which caused a delay in communication. Since ADOR has not yet responded, we had no choice but to issue a separate statement." However, the three members issued their statements individually before negotiations with ADOR were finalized. In response, ADOR stated they were "verifying the true intentions" and were "coordinating schedules for individual interviews."

Unlike Daniel, who has firmly pursued legal action, ADOR's decision regarding Hani and Minji was different.

In Hani's case, due to issues such as her "ignore" remarks, she even appeared before the National Assembly, launching sharp criticism against HYBE and ADOR, making her eventual decision to return feel unexpected. Minji's current activities also raised further questions, as of April this year, leaving a question mark. Minji, who had previously showcased her presence as the team's leader, appears to have not yet reached a complete agreement with ADOR following her return declaration through legal counsel.

Given that the outcome of discussions with Minji will undoubtedly have a significant impact on NewJeans' future return, if Minji decides to return (even if a full-group comeback is disappointing), it will at least provide a foundation to positively prepare for resuming activities, albeit belatedly. Of course, an apology for the past lawsuits also seems necessary.

At that time, ADOR explained, "During the dialogue process, we learned that the members had been continuously exposed to distorted and biased information for a long period, leading to many misunderstandings about the company and ultimately resulting in a dispute. We agreed that, in order to regain the love of fans and the public, it is necessary to fully resolve misunderstandings based on accurate facts, even if it takes some time. Additionally, we agreed to provide an opportunity to address various controversies that arose during the dispute in the future, and we are currently discussing the timing and method." Regarding Minji, it was also conveyed that the situation is not as negative as with Daniel, and while the discussions that have continued since the first-instance ruling have been prolonged, it would be premature to judge the atmosphere as negative.

As Minji has not yet appeared in the Copenhagen schedule, the possibility of her NewJeans comeback currently does not appear high.

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*This content was translated by AI.