From left, Haerin, Hyein and Hanni / Xportsnews
As eyewitness accounts of NewJeans members being spotted abroad spread on social media, and former member Danielle signaling a solo career through a new demo release, attention is now shifting to Minji, who has remained largely out of the public eye. The group’s label, ADOR, said the two sides are still in talks.
Eyewitness accounts began circulating on Chinese social media platform Weibo after Haerin, Hyein and Hanni were reportedly spotted in Copenhagen, Denmark, prompting their agency to confirm to Xportnews on Tuesday that “the members were in Denmark with the staff.”
The NewJeans members had lost a lawsuit filed by ADOR challenging the validity of their termination of their exclusive contracts last October. Some of the members — Haerin and Hyein first, followed by Hanni — later announced their return to the label.
The sighting of the three members on what appeared to be an overseas schedule stirred excitement and anticipation among NewJeans fans, who have long awaited the group’s comeback after a protracted legal dispute. Yet one member was notably absent from the development: Minji.
Danielle, left, and Minji / Xportsnews
So far, aside from ADOR saying the two sides are still in talks, Minji has largely remained out of the public eye. While most of the members have made their positions clear in the dispute that drew global attention — either by staying with the group or leaving — Minji’s intentions remain unknown five months on, with no sign of whether she plans to return. She was last seen in public in London in February.
Meanwhile, Danielle, who left the group after receiving a notice of termination, is now facing a 43.7 billion won (about $30 million) damages lawsuit filed by ADOR, with the case still pending. Last month, around her birthday, she posted a demo of a new song on social media, a move widely seen as signaling the start of a solo career.
With Haerin, Hyein and Hanni preparing to resume activities with NewJeans under ADOR, Minji still in discussions over whether to return and Danielle having parted ways with the group, growing attention is turning to what direction the team will take next.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.