Due to Min Hee-jin's lawsuit? NewJeans' comeback this year may be derailed [Yoon Sang-geun's Context]

*This content was translated by AI.

How is the preparation for the four-member return of girl group NewJeans progressing? Judging by the current atmosphere, it appears to be practically "no news at all." In fact, there are even doubts about whether a comeback this year will happen.

After ADOR won the lawsuit filed late last year seeking confirmation of the validity of its exclusive contracts with the NewJeans members, the company announced that members Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni would return to ADOR. It also stated, "Minji is currently in discussions, and we are continuing to hold ongoing talks." Regarding Daniel, the agency added, "We have determined that it is difficult for him to continue as a NewJeans member and an artist under ADOR, so we have notified him of the termination of his exclusive contract." Furthermore, ADOR stated, "We intend to hold Daniel's family member who bears significant responsibility for causing this dispute and delaying NewJeans' departure and return, as well as Min Hee-jin Jeon (CEO), legally accountable."

Following this, preparations for the 'four-member NewJeans' comeback with Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein appeared to be progressing steadily, though not at a rapid pace.

NewJeans sparked curiosity regarding their comeback when they were spotted by some fans in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, last April. Documents appearing to show that ADOR had booked a recording studio there from April 13 to 17 circulated on social media. Additionally, reports accompanied by photos indicated that Haerin and Hyein visited a Lego shop, a famous Danish toy brand store.

It was also reported at the time that they were seen carrying cameras that appeared to be for filming purposes. In response, ADOR stated, "It is correct that Hyein, Haerin, and Hanni visited Copenhagen, Denmark, with staff." The agency further explained, "The NewJeans members' visit to Copenhagen is part of a pre-production process aimed at incorporating new musical narratives. The members are currently preparing for activities according to their individual physical conditions and schedules optimized for each of them. We will officially announce the members' future plans at the most appropriate time."

Additionally, in May, ADOR posted a photo on NewJeans' official social media account titled "HAPPY MINJI DAY," showing cookies baked by Minji herself. These cookies were a gift given to fans after Minji personally visited a birthday café set up to celebrate her recent birthday.

Later, in July, ADOR also surprised fans with a special video featuring all four members, including Minji, to commemorate the fourth anniversary of NewJeans' debut. This special film, released through NewJeans' official YouTube channel, drew attention as it was the first team content since their Japanese debut single "Supernatural," released in summer 2024, approximately two years prior.

Notably, Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein were shown gathering one by one, holding each other's hands and striking poses, which itself suggested a shift from the downcast atmosphere caused by the ongoing lawsuits. Additionally, Haerin's personal schedule also drew attention in connection with NewJeans' comeback.

With recent sightings of Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein at ADOR, along with content featuring Minji, whose formal agreement has not yet been reached, one might expect growing anticipation for their next moves. However, contrary to such expectations, reports indicate that progress regarding NewJeans' comeback within ADOR is slower than anticipated.

First, Haerin's personal schedule was long planned in connection with her role as a Dior ambassador and has nothing to do with resuming activities. Furthermore, the fourth-anniversary content featuring Minji joining the group was reportedly conducted as a gesture of gratitude toward fans and is not closely linked to a comeback album. Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein's trip to Denmark is also believed to be part of a "song camp," which may serve as a "build-up" for a comeback album but is not expected to directly lead to a NewJeans comeback album at this stage.

In fact, there are no upcoming schedules set. ADOR does not appear to deny this. According to another report, after Min Hee-jin Jeon (CEO) (currently CEO of ooak) left ADOR, NewJeans' position within HYBE weakened significantly. Amid concerns about negative perceptions, discussions regarding album production and the direction of comeback activities have been difficult, leading to a slower pace of progress.

With the Chuseok holiday passed, only a short time remains in this year. For NewJeans to make a comeback before the end of the year, at the latest by November, they must release even minimal teaser content. However, with no results and not even scheduled activities confirmed, NewJeans' comeback is effectively at a standstill.

Meanwhile, ADOR stated during the fifth court hearing on the 10th in the civil case filed against Daniel, his family, and Min Hee-jin Jeon (CEO) before Seoul Central District Court's Civil Agreement Division 31, that "it is necessary to verify whether there was actually a plan for NewJeans' activities." In response to Daniel's side's question, ADOR clarified, "While the lawsuit may have delayed the resumption of activities, it does not mean there was no activity plan in the first place."

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*This content was translated by AI.