Are NewJeans Really Back? - Pitchfork

What the report says

Pitchfork reported that ADOR, the HYBE-affiliated label behind NewJeans, posted four short videos on the K-pop group’s YouTube channel on July 21, raising questions about whether the act is preparing to resume activity. The clips feature the group’s four remaining members — Hyein, Haerin, Hanni and Minji — and were described by ADOR as anniversary-related content tied to NewJeans’ debut. The label said more specific plans would be shared after discussions are completed.

The possible activity follows a turbulent period for one of the most prominent K-pop groups of the decade. NewJeans debuted in 2022 as a five-member act with Hyein, Haerin, Minji, Hanni and Danielle, guided by producer and former ADOR chief Min Hee-jin. The group quickly gained international attention with songs including “Attention,” “Hype Boy,” “Cookie,” “Super Shy” and “ETA,” and its 2023 EP Get Up reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

Pitchfork recounted that the group’s momentum was disrupted by a dispute involving HYBE, ADOR, Min and the members. The conflict included allegations over management, workplace treatment and intellectual property issues, Min’s removal as ADOR CEO, a public livestream by the members, an attempted rebrand as NJZ, and South Korean court rulings limiting the members’ ability to leave their ADOR contracts.

According to Pitchfork, the group announced a hiatus in 2025, later appeared to move toward returning to ADOR, and then lost Danielle after ADOR terminated her contract. The new videos therefore matter less as a confirmed comeback than as the first visible sign in months that ADOR may be preparing some form of NewJeans activity.