NewJeans Comeback in 2026: Member Status and Activity Resumption

In 2026, NewJeans is showing signs of resuming activities after a period marked by contract disputes, with the core driving reason for buzz being the potential return of the group as a four-member unit. Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein are currently the active members, while Daniel has departed from the group and is involved in separate personal activities and legal proceedings. The ongoing discussions and recent appearances have generated significant anticipation among fans regarding their official comeback.

The group's activity came to a halt in March 2025 following an attempt to terminate their exclusive contract with ADOR in November 2024, but a court ruling in October 2025 affirmed the contract's validity. Subsequently, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein returned to ADOR, with Haerin making her first official public appearance on September 7, 2026, after her return. Although Minji is reportedly still negotiating her return conditions, she joined the other three members in a special "2026 Summer of NewJeans" film and group photos released on July 22, 2026, marking the group's 4th anniversary and their first team content in approximately 1 year and 4 months.

Local bloggers interpret the release of the four-member content as a clear signal for an impending comeback, even though ADOR has stated that specific activity plans will be announced once discussions are fully concluded. Despite the lack of a confirmed official comeback date, the strong fan base remains evident, with Minji maintaining her top position in Star Ranking for 18 consecutive weeks as of September 17, 2026, indicating sustained loyalty and high expectations for NewJeans' return.