The door isn’t closed. In fact, it might be opening.
On May 7th, ADOR officially responded to reports of Minji’s potential return to NewJeans, telling MK Sports that internal discussions are ongoing regarding future activities. While the agency stopped short of confirming specifics, they added a key phrase fans will want to hold onto: “Please understand that negotiations are continuing in an overall positive direction.”
That’s the closest thing to good news the fandom has heard in months.
How we got here
NewJeans’ story over the past year has been anything but straightforward. Following the group’s unauthorized departure in November 2024 and a prolonged exclusive contract dispute that ultimately ended in the members’ defeat, Haerin and Hyein returned to ADOR in November 2024, with Hanni following in December — leaving Minji as the only member still in limbo.
For over five months, ADOR’s official stance on Minji had been a carefully worded “conversations are ongoing” — nothing more. Meanwhile, sightings of Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein in Copenhagen earlier this year fueled speculation about a three-member comeback, with ADOR confirming only that the trip was “part of pre-production to capture a new musical narrative for NewJeans.”
The birthday signal
What changed the conversation was Minji herself. She recently made a surprise visit to a fan-organized birthday café, personally delivering homemade cookies, photo booth pictures, and a handwritten letter. In it, she told fans: “There’s so much I want to say to Bunnies, but I know the opportunity will come — so please stay healthy and happy.”
ADOR then posted the birthday tribute and behind-the-scenes cookie photos through their official account — a move that felt deliberate rather than routine, and one that has fans reading between the lines.
Where things stand now
With three members already back and pre-production reportedly underway, the question surrounding NewJeans is no longer if they return — it’s whether Minji will be there when they do. Today’s statement, cautious as it is, suggests the answer may be yes.
On a separate front, ADOR continues legal proceedings against former CEO Min Hee-jin and two others, seeking approximately 43 billion KRW in penalties and damages following the termination of Danielle’s contract.
The full NewJeans reunion isn’t confirmed. But for the first time in a long time, it feels possible.
Source: ADOR