NewJeans' Journey: From Debut to Current Member Status

NewJeans is resuming activities after a period of inactivity, sparking discussions about whether the group will continue as a four-member unit. This renewed attention follows the resolution of their contract dispute with ADOR, with a video featuring Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein released for their 4th debut anniversary, and Haerin making a public appearance. The "lost two years" refers to the time when their activities were largely halted due to internal conflicts.

The group, formed by ADOR, debuted on July 22, 2022, with the "Attention" music video, quickly achieving success with hits like "Hype Boy" and "Ditto," and their 2023 mini-album "Get Up" topping the US Billboard 200. Their hiatus began in November 2024 when all five members declared contract termination, leading to a legal battle where the court ultimately affirmed the validity of their contracts with ADOR in 2025. Following this, Haerin and Hyein returned to ADOR in November 2025, and Hanni in December 2025, while ADOR terminated Daniel's contract, initiating a separate 43 billion KRW damages lawsuit.

Local bloggers express mixed feelings of anticipation and concern for NewJeans' future, hoping they can reclaim their past success after the highly publicized dispute. The group's unconventional debut, which involved releasing a music video first without a traditional showcase, generated significant buzz and contributed to their initial chart-topping achievements. Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin was instrumental in their formation, establishing ADOR with a 16 billion KRW investment from HYBE in November 2021, seven months before NewJeans' debut.