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 resembling Minji's have unexpectedly drawn NewJeans back into the spotlight — not through a comeback announcement, but through a YouTube video posted by former member Danielle.
Danielle, whose contract with Ador was terminated in December and who is now embroiled in a legal dispute with the agency, uploaded a video titled "Sisters in Melbourne" on Tuesday, documenting a trip to Australia with her older sister.
Although shared Tuesday, the video is believed to have been filmed last year, before the members announced their return to Ador in November.
Viewers noticed a dog believed to be Hanni's pet and what sounded like Minji's voice, sparking speculation that the former bandmates had spent time together. Neither member's presence has been confirmed.
The video offers no indication of an impending NewJeans comeback. Instead, the attention it generated highlights how closely fans are following the members' whereabouts as the group's future remains uncertain.
It has been a year and seven months 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.
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.
Different paths back
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 September in Seoul, 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. 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.
A comeback without a date
Nevertheless, there have 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.
The latest speculation surrounding Danielle's video only sharpens the contrast. While Haerin and Hyein have begun resuming their careers under Ador, Hanni and Minji have yet to make comparable public appearances.
Their possible reunion offers no answers about NewJeans' comeback. But it underscores an unresolved question surrounding the group's future — whether all four remaining members and Ador are ready to move forward together.
