On the midnight of July 22 2026 (KST), ADOR dropped a fresh set of short films and photographs under the banner 2026 Summer of NewJeans. The clips—each one a quiet slice of a member’s daily life—feature playful scenes with animated rabbits, hinting at the group’s comeback as a four‑person unit.

The announcement follows a protracted legal saga that began in 2024. After a dispute over management between ADOR’s former CEO Min Hee‑jin and the members, the group sought to terminate their contracts. A Seoul Central District Court injunction in March 2025 halted independent activities, and the group announced a hiatus later that month. In October 2025 the court ruled in favor of ADOR, after which Hyein and Haerin agreed to return. On December 29 2025, Hanni also confirmed her return, while Danielle’s contract was terminated. Min ji had been in talks with the label, but her status remained unclear.

The new teasers confirm that Min ji has re‑joined the group, bringing the lineup to Haerin, Hyein, Hanni, and Min ji. The content was posted on ADOR’s official channels and on the group’s social‑media accounts, which had previously been stripped of Danielle’s images and the name of former CEO Min Hee‑jin.

The 2026 Summer of NewJeans campaign is the first official visual release from the group since the court ruling. Each clip focuses on a single member: Haerin’s morning routine, Hyein’s studio work, Hanni’s fashion shoot, and Min ji’s rehearsal footage. The videos are intercut with scenes of the members interacting with small, animated rabbits, a motif that has become a recurring visual element in the group’s recent promotional material.

NewJeans debuted on July 22 2022 with the single “Attention” and an eponymous EP that topped the Circle Album Chart. The group has since released multiple successful projects, including the single album OMG and the EP Get Up, which reached number one on the US Billboard 200. The group’s commercial performance has made it one of the most‑watched K‑pop acts worldwide.

The return is significant for several reasons. First, it marks the end of a more than one‑year hiatus that had left fans uncertain about the group’s future. Second, it restores the original four‑member configuration that had been the group’s public image before Danielle’s departure. Third, it demonstrates ADOR’s willingness to move past the legal dispute and resume normal promotional activities.

Industry observers note that the timing of the release—midnight on the anniversary of the group’s debut—was likely chosen to maximize impact on social media and streaming platforms. The teasers were shared across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, where they quickly accumulated millions of views and comments. While no official statement has been issued regarding a new music release, the campaign is widely interpreted as a prelude to a comeback.

No new single or album has been announced, and ADOR has not yet provided a release schedule. However, the company’s public relations team has indicated that the group will begin a promotional cycle in the coming months. The agency’s statement, posted on its website, emphasized that the group’s “creative energy” has been restored and that fans can expect fresh content soon.

The legal dispute that led to the hiatus was rooted in disagreements over contract terms and creative control. The Seoul Central District Court’s ruling in October 2025 was a decisive moment that allowed the remaining members to re‑join ADOR. The termination of Danielle’s contract was a separate development that occurred shortly after the court decision.

The return of Min ji also resolves a long‑standing rumor that had circulated on fan forums and social media. According to the teasers, Min ji is actively participating in the group’s activities, and her presence is evident in the visual content. No official interview or press release has confirmed her return, but the visual evidence is considered sufficient for most industry analysts.

Looking ahead, the group’s next steps will likely involve a new single, a promotional tour, and potential appearances on Korean music programs. The agency has not yet disclosed details about a release date or a title track. Fans and industry analysts will be watching ADOR’s announcements closely for confirmation.

In summary, NewJeans has officially returned as a four‑member group with the 2026 Summer of NewJeans teaser campaign. The release marks the end of a hiatus that began after a legal dispute with ADOR, restores the group’s original lineup minus Danielle, and sets the stage for a new promotional cycle. The next official announcement from ADOR is expected in the coming weeks, and the group’s activities will be monitored for any indication of a forthcoming single or album release.