NewJeans Minji's Return and Group Status After 4th Anniversary Video

NewJeans is currently a significant topic in Korea, primarily due to the release of a 4th-anniversary video on July 22, 2026, which featured four members, including Minji. This event has generated considerable buzz, as it marks a notable appearance by Minji after a period of uncertainty regarding her activities and the group's overall future.

The video, titled '2026 Summer of NewJeans,' showcased Minji alongside Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein. NewJeans originally debuted on July 22, 2022, as a five-member group under ADOR. The group experienced internal conflicts and a contract dispute with ADOR, leading members to declare contract termination in November 2024. However, a court ruling in October 2025 upheld the validity of their contracts with ADOR. Subsequently, Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni officially returned to ADOR by December 2025, while Daniel's contract was terminated, and a separate lawsuit for damages is ongoing. Minji's status had remained ambiguous until her appearance in this recent official content.

Local bloggers highlight that while Minji's presence in the official 4th-anniversary content is a crucial development, it does not yet signify a fully confirmed return to activities. ADOR's accompanying statement indicated that 'specific activity plans and methods will be announced after discussions are fully concluded.' This suggests that fans and observers should distinguish between her appearance in the video and a finalized comeback schedule, as negotiations for her future engagements are still in progress.