On the fourth anniversary of their debut, popular group NewJeans unveiled a surprise video featuring all four members except Danielle, who left the team.
According to the music industry on the 22nd, NewJeans uploaded a special video without prior notice on their official YouTube channel at midnight that day. The video features all members currently with the agency, starting with Min-ji, followed by Hye-in, Hanni, and Haerin.
It has been about 1 year and 4 months since they created new content as a team and released it to the public. This is drawing analysis that it could be a positive sign hinting at NewJeans' full-scale return to activities. In addition, speculation is gaining traction that Min-ji has also set a course to return to the agency as a member of NewJeans. Previously, after finishing a Hong Kong performance in March last year that they joined on an independent path, NewJeans said they would temporarily suspend all entertainment activities to abide by the judiciary's decision.
Their conflict was sparked by the dismissal of former ADOR chief executive Min Hee-jin. NewJeans, after clashing with ADOR, held a press conference in Nov. 2024 and announced they would terminate their contract. However, as the court sided with the agency in both the injunction and the main suit, NewJeans' plan to move independently was put on hold. After that, in November last year, Haerin and Hye-in returned to the company first, followed by Hanni's official return in December.
ADOR, the agency, had said it was in positive talks regarding Min-ji, whose future had not been certain. By contrast, they notified Danielle in December last year of her contract termination, holding her responsible for leaving the team.
Regarding this video, ADOR explained, "To mark NewJeans' fourth debut anniversary, we produced commemorative content to enjoy with fans," adding, "We brought together the members' hearts. We hope Bunnies (the fandom name) will enjoy it with delight."
It added, "Specific plans and methods for NewJeans' activities will be announced after discussions are fully concluded." NewJeans is expected to release follow-up content after this video.
Meanwhile, Danielle, who left the team, also posted her photo and a message to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the debut. In English, Danielle wrote, "Life gets blurry sometimes, but the light always finds its way back. Until then, keep shining. Thank you," and shared a "selfie" photo.
NewJeans took their first step into the music industry on July 22, 2022, and immediately caused a major stir in popular music. With every song they released, including Attention and Hype Boy, they achieved back-to-back hits and stood at the center of a syndrome.