K-pop girl group NewJeans released new official content on July 22 to mark its fourth anniversary, ending a roughly 16-month absence from public group activities and renewing attention over the future of one of South Korea’s most successful music acts.
The group posted a special anniversary video on its official YouTube channel featuring members Minji, Hanni, Haerin and Hyein. It was the first official content released under the NewJeans name since the group’s activities were halted last year following a legal dispute with its agency, ADOR.
NewJeans debuted on July 22, 2022, with the release of the music video for “Attention” and quickly rose to become one of K-pop’s leading girl groups with a series of global hits including “Hype Boy,” “Ditto,” “OMG” and “Super Shy.”
The group’s second EP, “Get Up,” reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart in the U.S. in 2023, marking a major milestone for the group and strengthening its position in the global K-pop market.
The group’s rise was interrupted after a dispute with ADOR, a label under HYBE, escalated into a legal battle over exclusive contracts. NewJeans announced in November 2024 that it was ending its contracts with the agency, but subsequent court rulings in injunction proceedings restricted the members’ ability to pursue independent activities.
The group stopped public activities after a performance in Hong Kong in March 2025 and had not released new team content until the anniversary video this week. The release has fueled speculation among fans that NewJeans may resume official group activities.
Minji’s appearance in the video drew particular attention, as her future with the group had been closely watched during the dispute.
ADOR said the anniversary video was created as content for fans and that specific plans for future activities would be announced after discussions are completed.
“Detailed activity plans and schedules will be announced once discussions are fully concluded,” the company said.
Danielle, however, has not returned to the group. ADOR notified her of the termination of her exclusive contract, saying it determined that she had significant responsibility for the dispute and delays surrounding the members’ return.
ADOR is seeking about $24 million in damages from Danielle, her family and former ADOR chief executive Min Hee-jin in a separate legal action.
Danielle posted a message on her personal social media account on July 22, saying that while life can sometimes become unclear, “the light always returns,” and sharing photos showing a casual style with a baseball cap and large hoop earrings.
Fans responded with messages of support, expressing hope that the group could eventually reunite and continue activities together.
The anniversary release has placed NewJeans back in the spotlight, with industry observers watching whether the group can move beyond its legal dispute and return to the global music market.
