The future of K-pop girl group NewJeans has once again become the subject of intense speculation, with a recent report suggesting that member Minji could hold the key to the group's long-awaited comeback. According to reports in Korean media, the timing of NewJeans' return may largely depend on Minji's decision regarding her future with ADOR. Reports claimed that uncertainty surrounding Minji's status could significantly delay the group's activities, potentially pushing any comeback plans beyond February 2027. Industry observers reportedly believe that if her position is not finalised within the coming months, the delay could become increasingly difficult for both the agency and the group to manage.
Minji Is the Reason Behind NewJeans Hiatus?
Minji is one of the main figures associated with NewJeans' identity and public image. As per reports, because of this, ADOR is reportedly willing to keep the door open for her return for as long as possible. However, the report also adds that there are practical limits to how long the company can wait before making decisions about the group's future direction.
According to the report, if Minji's plans remain unresolved beyond June 2026, preparations for a comeback could face further setbacks, making a return before next year (February 2027) increasingly unlikely. The concern among industry watchers is that prolonged inactivity could very well impact the group's ability to maintain the level of public attention and momentum it once enjoyed.
The uncertainty does not only affect Minji but also impacts fellow members Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein. The longer the situation remains unresolved, the greater the challenges the members could face in reconnecting with fans and the wider general public.
Is Minji Coming Back to NewJeans?
The latest report comes just weeks after ADOR addressed growing speculation about Minji's future. In May 2026, the agency released a statement confirming that discussions regarding her activities were ongoing and progressing in a positive direction. "We are continuing internal discussions regarding her future activities," the company said. "While we are unable to share specific details at this time, we would appreciate your understanding that discussions are generally moving in a positive direction." However, neither the singer nor the agency has confirmed any final decision.
The group's current situation stems from a turbulent period that began in November 2024 when NewJeans announced the termination of their contracts with ADOR. Following a Seoul court ruling that upheld the validity of those contracts, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein returned to the company in November 2025. Meanwhile, Minji's future remains undecided. Shockingly, ADOR terminated the contract of member Danielle in December 2025 and both parties are still involved in a legal battle.
The Rise of NewJeans and the Contract Dispute
NewJeans debuted in July 2022 under ADOR, a sub-label of HYBE, and quickly became one of the most prominent K-pop groups of the fourth generation. Their debut single "Attention" topped charts and earned them numerous rookie awards. Subsequent releases like "Hype Boy," "Ditto," and "OMG" solidified their status as a global phenomenon. The group's fresh concept, strong visual identity, and catchy music attracted a massive fanbase known as Bunnies.
However, in late 2024, tensions between the group and ADOR became public. The members claimed that the agency had failed to protect them from internal conflicts and alleged mistreatment. This led to the surprise announcement in November 2024 that all five members were terminating their exclusive contracts. ADOR responded by taking legal action, arguing that the contracts remained valid. The court sided with ADOR in a preliminary ruling, stating that the members could not independently engage in activities outside the agency.
Following the ruling, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein returned to ADOR in November 2025, effectively ending their legal standoff. However, Minji did not return, and her intentions remained unclear. Danielle's situation took a different turn when ADOR terminated her contract unilaterally in December 2025, citing breach of trust. Danielle has since filed a countersuit, and the matter is still pending in court.
Impact on NewJeans' Legacy and Career
The prolonged hiatus has raised concerns about the group's overall brand value. In the fast-paced K-pop industry, even a year of inactivity can cause a decline in popularity. NewJeans had been on a trajectory to become one of the top-selling girl groups, with millions of albums sold globally and endorsement deals with major luxury brands. Their music dominated streaming platforms, and they were considered trendsetters among their peers.
Industry analysts note that the longer the group remains inactive, the harder it will be to regain the same level of public interest. The members who have returned to ADOR—Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein—have been doing individual activities such as photoshoots and brand collaborations, but group activities remain on hold. The absence of Minji and the legal entanglements with Danielle create an unstable environment that affects schedules and planning.
ADOR has not announced any specific timeline for a potential comeback, but the earliest realistic window appears to be 2027, assuming Minji makes a decision soon. However, some industry insiders speculate that ADOR might consider reforming the group as a quartet if Minji decides to leave permanently. This would be a significant change to the group's dynamic, but it could allow the remaining members to return to the stage sooner.
The Broader Implications for K-Pop Contracts
The NewJeans case has sparked widespread debate about contract fairness and artist rights in the K-pop industry. Many industry watchers are closely following the legal outcomes to see how they will set precedents for future disputes. The concept of "exclusive contracts" has been a cornerstone of the K-pop system, but recent high-profile disputes—such as those involving EXO and FIFTY FIFTY—have highlighted the need for more transparent and balanced agreements.
Minji's hesitation to return may reflect deeper concerns about artist agency and creative control. Reports have suggested that some members felt pressured to align with the company's vision at the expense of their personal preferences. ADOR's willingness to keep Minji's seat open indicates that they value her contribution, but the clock is ticking. If Minji does not return, she may face legal consequences for breach of contract, potentially including fines or bans from the industry.
Danielle's terminated contract adds another layer of complexity. The termination was initiated by ADOR, which is unusual because typically artists resign or are terminated for cause. Legal experts suggest that ADOR may have decided to cut ties to simplify their position or because Danielle had violated specific terms. The resulting lawsuit could take years to resolve, further delaying any possibility of a full-group reunion.
What Lies Ahead for NewJeans and Their Fans
Fans of NewJeans, known as Bunnies, remain hopeful that all five members will eventually reunite. Social media campaigns and fan petitions have called for the members to resolve their differences and return to making music together. However, the reality of legal timelines and personal decisions suggests that a comeback is likely still far off.
ADOR has continued to support the three active members with individual projects. Hanni has appeared on variety shows, Haerin has done modeling work, and Hyein has been involved in music production. These activities keep the group's name in the public eye, but without group promotions, the synergy that made NewJeans special is missing.
The clock is ticking for Minji. If she does not announce her decision by mid-2026, the window for a 2027 comeback will effectively close, and the group's future may look very different from what fans once envisioned. The K-pop world waits with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that brings NewJeans back to the stage where they belong.
Source: MSN News