NewJeans signals return as 4-member group with new video, photos

Popular K-pop girl group NewJeans released a surprise video and photos featuring four members, including Minji, on the fourth anniversary of its debut Wednesday, signaling its possible return to the music scene.

The video, titled "2026 Summer of NewJeans," was posted on the group's official YouTube channel at midnight without prior notice, according to music industry sources.

New photos of the four members were also posted on the group's official homepage and Instagram account.

The release marks the band's first group-based content in one year and four months.

The move drew fresh attention because the group had effectively been on hiatus after a bitter dispute with its agency, ADOR, over the dismissal of former CEO Min Hee-jin and the status of its exclusive contracts.

NewJeans announced in November 2024 that it was terminating its contracts with ADOR, but the court later sided with the agency in both an injunction case and the main lawsuit, restricting the group's independent activities.

Following the ruling, members Haerin, Hyein and Hanni all returned to ADOR last year, while the agenc ...