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NewJeans has recently generated significant buzz in Korea with the release of new group content, a special film celebrating their 4th anniversary. This content, featuring Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein, is the first team appearance in approximately two years, following a period marked by contract disputes and uncertainties surrounding individual member activities. The unexpected reunion of four members, particularly Minji's inclusion, alongside the notable absence of Danielle, is the core reason for the widespread attention.
The "2026 Summer of NewJeans" special film was unveiled on July 22, 2026, showcasing Minji's return to official team content despite previous ongoing discussions with ADOR. Prior to this, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein were observed in Copenhagen, Denmark, in April, an activity ADOR confirmed as "pre-production for a new musical narrative." The group's last team content was 1 year and 4 months ago, and their most recent album, "Supernatural," was released in June 2024. Danielle was notably absent from the official video, with ADOR reportedly terminating her contract in December 2025; Danielle shared her own update on social media on the same day. Additionally, Minji secured first place in the 256th Star Ranking Star Idol Female Ranking for 19 consecutive weeks (September 17-24, 2026), with other NewJeans members also ranking high, demonstrating strong fan engagement amidst their contract disputes.
Local bloggers express that the appearance of four members, especially Minji, after a prolonged hiatus and internal conflicts, initially raised expectations for a full group comeback, though the situation evolved differently with Danielle's non-participation. There is an ongoing discussion among observers about whether fan-voted rankings accurately reflect broader public popularity or actual comeback success, with some highlighting strong fandom loyalty and others emphasizing the need for concrete performance metrics. The group's contract dispute case is also frequently cited as a significant precedent for future conflicts between idols and their agencies.
