Danielle's latest YouTube video fuels reunion speculation, but Hanni and Minji remain out of the public eye
A dog believed to belong to Hanni and a voice fans suspect is Minji's have become the latest clues in the search for signs of a NewJeans reunion.
Speculation began after former NewJeans member Danielle uploaded a video titled "Sisters in Melbourne" to her personal YouTube channel on Tuesday, documenting a trip to Australia with her older sister.
In the video, Danielle spends time with a dog believed to be Hanni's pet. Viewers also pointed to a voice resembling Minji's, raising speculation that the members may have been together. Neither member's presence has been confirmed, and no dates were given for the footage included in the video.
Still, the attention given to these small details indicates just how little fans have seen of some NewJeans members since the group's activities came to a halt.
A year and seven months have passed since NewJeans last performed at ComplexCon Hong Kong in March 2025, before suspending activities amid its legal dispute with Ador.
Following a court ruling upholding the validity of the members' exclusive contracts, Haerin and Hyein announced their return to Ador in November 2025. Hanni's return was confirmed in December, while Danielle's contract was terminated.
Minji also conveyed her intention to return through her legal representatives in November, but Ador has yet to confirm her return. The agency has repeatedly said discussions with her are ongoing.
The differences in the members' public activities have become increasingly apparent.
Haerin and Hyein have gradually resumed fashion and promotional work, including magazine shoots in August. Haerin also attended a Dior Beauty pop-up event in Seoul's Songpa-gu district on Sept. 7, marking her first official public appearance since returning to Ador.
Hanni and Minji have yet to make comparable public appearances.
Hanni's absence is particularly notable given that Ador officially confirmed her return in December. Minji's situation remains more complicated, with the agency offering little beyond repeated statements that discussions are continuing.
The distinction between contractual status and the resumption of activities matters. Although the court upheld the validity of the exclusive contracts, that does not necessarily mean the agency and each member have agreed on how to work together.
There have nevertheless been signs of preparations for NewJeans' return.
In April, Ador confirmed that members had traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark, as part of preparations for future musical activities.
In July, the agency released "2026 Summer of NewJeans," anniversary content featuring Minji, Hanni, Haerin and Hyein. Minji's inclusion raised expectations of a four-member comeback despite the lack of official confirmation regarding her return.
Yet three months later, there is still no announced album or comeback date. Asked Wednesday about the group's plans, Hybe reiterated its position.
"We will share details of their future musical activities and how they will proceed once those plans are finalized," the company said.
Minji's unresolved relationship with Ador remains an obvious question, particularly if the agency intends to relaunch NewJeans with four members. But there is no evidence that her status alone is delaying the comeback, and Ador has not disclosed what remains to be settled.
Danielle's latest video may suggest that the former bandmates remain personally close, but spending time together privately is not the same as preparing to resume professional activities.
