4-member NewJeans, Min Hee-jin's boy group... steadily building up for comeback [★FOCUS]

*This content was translated by AI.

Min Hee-jin, former CEO of Adore, who declared a fresh start with OKLee Re-ko-jeu (CEO), is preparing to forge a new path of her own, leaving her ties with NewJeans behind. NewJeans, whose 5-member return has been scrapped, is also returning from a long detour to stand before the public once again.

For about two years since April 2024, Min Hui-jin (CEO) and NewJeans were unable to deliver any significant performances in the K-pop scene and were forced to spend their time in court. They shouted out their grievances on multiple occasions and quietly pursued legal countermeasures, but reality did not unfold as they had hoped. In the end, Min Hui-jin (CEO) left Adore, while the NewJeans members lost the legal battle and had to return to Adore. During this period, Daniel was notified of his expulsion.

Criticism toward them also increased significantly. Although they continued to expose and criticize HYBE for unfair treatment, not everyone sided with them, and HYBE's arguments possessed sufficient legal persuasiveness and grounds. While the court accepted some of Min Hui-jin (CEO)'s claims, the fact that NewJeans lost the dispute with Adore meant that it could not be viewed as a "complete victory for Min Hee-jin."

Nevertheless, expectations for the comeback of Min Hui-jin (CEO) and NewJeans still remain. Although they could not reunite at Adore, all of them are quietly moving busily behind the scenes to turn the page of their respective careers, leaving past disputes behind.

First, NewJeans is smoothly continuing its buildup for a 4-member return.

Adore stated on the 7th regarding Minji's comeback, which has not yet been confirmed, that "we are continuing internal discussions regarding future activities." It added, "While we cannot provide a specific stance on detailed matters at this time, please understand that negotiations are progressing in a generally positive direction." Subsequently, Adore posted a photo of cookies baked by Minji herself on NewJeans' official SNS, captioning it "HAPPY MINJI DAY." These cookies were a gift Minji personally handed to fans after visiting a birthday cafe set up to celebrate her recent birthday. This post further bolstered the possibility of Minji's return to Adore. Of course, this presupposes a harmonious agreement between both parties.

NewJeans sparked curiosity and became linked to comeback rumors in April when they were spotted by some fans in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. Documents appearing to show that a recording studio located there was booked under Adore's name from April 13 to 17 were circulated via SNS, and reports accompanied by photos stated that Haerin and Hyein visited 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, Adore clarified, "It is correct that Hyein, Hyein, and Hani visited Copenhagen, Denmark, with staff." It further stated, "The members' visit to Copenhagen is part of a pre-production process to incorporate a new musical narrative." It added, "NewJeans members are currently preparing for activities according to their individual conditions and schedules optimized for each member. We will officially announce their future plans at the most appropriate time."

Minji did not participate in this schedule. Given that this schedule was for pre-production aimed at purposes such as Song Camp, some observers suggest that while it may not significantly impact the 4th-member comeback itself, the fact that it occurred after Hani, Haerin, and Hyein returned to Adore indicates it is part of the buildup process for NewJeans' comeback, implying their return to the music industry is merely a matter of time.

Meanwhile, attention is also focused on Min Hui-jin (CEO)'s launch of a boy group. It is reported that Min Hui-jin (CEO) is currently concentrating intensely on launching a boy group, with the goal of debuting as soon as possible. Ultimately, member casting is the key factor, and the timing of the launch is expected to accelerate depending on how well the casting process goes. It is also reported that Min Hui-jin (CEO)'s willpower regarding this matter is strong. It appears that confirming the members will still take some time.

Earlier, on December 19, 2025, Min Hui-jin (CEO) appeared on YTN Radio's "Kim Jun-woo's News Showdown" and stated, "Naturally, I have no reason to create a rival for NewJeans. Judging by the style I have always pursued, a boy group comes first." She added, "Fortunately, applications are flooding in via SNS DMs. We are also reviewing new proposals beyond male groups and idols. What I want is to create an 'interesting company.'"

On December 4, 2025, Min Hui-jin (CEO) also appeared on the YouTube channel "Genre Only Yeouido" and said, "I have no immediate plans to create a girl group. If a boy group comes out, a girl group might follow." She continued, "(It's not about a 7-year contract with artists; I want to shorten the contract period as well.) People should work together because they want to. The standard exclusive contract still has many loopholes; it was created from the employer's perspective." She pointed out, "Many young children are told to 'sign if you want to be an idol' without understanding the situation."

Min Hui-jin (CEO) stated, "I want to create a company where idols and the company need each other. I see the shortcomings in this market and want to prepare and present them properly in my own way." She added, "Like a phone turning into a blessing, there has been a lot of contact from domestic and international sources regarding the news of establishing a corporation. It is a grateful situation."

Following the official launch of OK Records in February, Min Hui-jin (CEO) personally shared various images and videos on her SNS that evoked the image of a record shop. The images included a photo of a man expected to be a new member under the title "Wanted," along with the text, "Born between 2008 and 2013. Place unknown. If you have information, please contact us here," also hinting at the specifications for the boy group members.

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*This content was translated by AI.