(Photo courtesy of ADOR)

[Hanteo News = Reporter KIM YEONWOO] NewJeans celebrated the fourth anniversary of its official fandom, Bunnies, through the group's official social media account. With the members pursuing different paths following their exclusive contract dispute, attention is turning to their recent activities, including individual schedules and interactions with fans.

NewJeans is widely regarded as a group that introduced a fresh direction to the K-POP industry upon its debut. In July 2022, the group attracted public attention with songs such as ‘Attention’ and ‘Hype Boy’, distinguishing itself through Y2K-inspired aesthetics, natural styling, and easy-listening music. Subsequent hits including ‘Ditto’, ‘OMG’, and ‘Super Shy’ further demonstrated new possibilities for K-POP in terms of music, visuals, and promotional strategies.

However, the group's activities took a different turn in 2024 when a conflict emerged between HYBE and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. Following Min's dismissal, the members asserted that their exclusive contracts with ADOR had been terminated, but the court ruled that the contracts remained valid. The members subsequently expressed their intention to return to ADOR, while DANIELLE was removed from the group after receiving notice of the termination of her exclusive contract. NewJeans is currently discussing its future activities as a four-member group consisting of MINJI, HANNI, HAERIN, and HYEIN.

On October 29, behind-the-scenes photos celebrating Bunnies' fourth anniversary were shared on NewJeans' official Instagram account. The group originally announced its official fandom name on October 29, 2022, marking its 100th day since debut. The newly released photos feature MINJI, HANNI, HAERIN, and HYEIN, offering fans an opportunity to reflect on the years they have shared with NewJeans. However, no specific comeback schedule has been announced.

 

(Photo courtesy of NewJeans' Instagram)

HAERIN and HYEIN: From Magazine Covers to Public Appearances

Since returning to ADOR, HAERIN and HYEIN have resumed individual activities, making appearances through various official schedules.

In August, HAERIN appeared on the cover of the September issue of fashion magazine Marie Claire Korea. The photoshoot marked her first individual activity following her return to ADOR and was arranged in consultation with the agency. She subsequently attended a beauty brand pop-up event at Lotte Department Store's Jamsil branch in Seoul's Songpa District in September. Marking her first official public appearance since returning to the agency, HAERIN attended the event in her capacity as a brand ambassador and met with fans.

HYEIN also resumed individual activities through a magazine photoshoot. In August, she graced the cover of the September issue of Harper's Bazaar Korea. The photoshoot, created in collaboration with Italian luxury brand Bottega Veneta, centered on the theme ‘In Between’ and showcased a more mature side of HYEIN.

These individual activities have continued while NewJeans' musical activities remain on hold. However, the resumption of individual schedules does not necessarily signal an imminent group comeback. ADOR has maintained its position that it will announce further details once specific plans and arrangements for the group's musical activities have been finalized.

 

(Photo courtesy of NewJeans' Instagram)

HANNI Organizes Birthday Treasure Hunt for Fans, While MINJI's Activities Remain in Focus

HANNI and MINJI have not recently announced separate official individual activities. However, HANNI attracted attention by preparing a special event for fans to celebrate her birthday.

On October 6, HANNI organized a treasure hunt by hiding special items at various locations throughout Seoul. Based on a treasure map she drew herself, treasures were reportedly placed at eight locations, including areas around Hongdae, while pieces of the map were distributed through four birthday cafes. Fans participated by searching for the hidden treasures at each location.

The treasure hunt offered fans a special memory that went beyond simply celebrating HANNI's birthday. By taking part in an event personally prepared by the artist, fans were able to connect with her in a way that differed from conventional official activities.

MINJI appeared alongside HANNI, HAERIN, and HYEIN in content released last July to commemorate NewJeans' fourth debut anniversary. At the time, ADOR stated that it would announce plans for future activities once discussions with the members had concluded. However, MINJI's return and specific activity schedule have yet to be officially confirmed.
 

(Photo courtesy of DANIELLE's Instagram)

DANIELLE Shares Updates Through Personal Channels as Legal Dispute Continues

DANIELLE has been sharing updates about her life through personal channels, separately from NewJeans.

In September, she posted photos on her social media account alongside the caption "Journey together?" The post marked her first update in approximately two months, with the photos showing DANIELLE enjoying a relaxed daily life.

More recently, she uploaded a video titled ‘Sisters in Melbourne’ to her personal YouTube channel. The video follows DANIELLE as she travels around Melbourne, Australia, with her older sister, Olivia Marsh. Following its release, viewers noticed a dog believed to be HANNI's pet and a voice thought to belong to MINJI, sparking speculation about a possible reunion among the members. However, the identities of those featured in the video and the timing of the filming have not been clearly confirmed.

DANIELLE was removed from NewJeans after receiving notice of the termination of her exclusive contract from ADOR in December last year. The agency subsequently filed a damages lawsuit seeking approximately 33.1 billion won against DANIELLE, one of her family members, and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin.

During the sixth hearing held on October 22, the two sides continued to disagree over the submission of materials needed to calculate damages and the extent of their respective legal responsibilities. The next hearing is scheduled for November 12.

 

(Photo courtesy of NewJeans' Instagram)

Looking Ahead to NewJeans' Return to the Stage and a New Beginning

Following the exclusive contract dispute, the NewJeans members have continued pursuing different paths. HAERIN and HYEIN have resumed individual activities and made official public appearances, while HANNI has maintained connections with fans through special events. MINJI remains in discussions regarding future activities, and DANIELLE continues sharing updates through her personal channels.

DANIELLE's departure from NewJeans remains a source of disappointment for fans. Having watched all five members build their musical careers and share the stage since debut, those who had hoped to see the full group perform together again are understandably left with mixed emotions.

Nevertheless, anticipation surrounding a new beginning for NewJeans continues. The content released in July to celebrate the group's fourth debut anniversary featured MINJI, HANNI, HAERIN, and HYEIN together, raising the possibility of future activities as a four-member group.

The latest photos released for Bunnies' fourth anniversary have once again highlighted the connection between the members and their fandom. As each member continues navigating different circumstances, attention is turning to whether their individual activities will eventually lead to new music and performances from NewJeans.

 yeonwoo38@hanteo.com