Are NewJeans Really Back? - Pitchfork

NewJeans' label ADOR, a HYBE imprint, released four short videos on July 21, 2026, featuring members Hyein, Haerin, Hanni, and Minji, teasing what has been dubbed "the summer of NewJeans."
ADOR described the clips as "commemorative content" marking the fourth anniversary of the group's debut, saying activity plans would be announced once discussions are finalized, though specifics remain unclear.
The group debuted in 2022 as a five-piece under producer and ADOR CEO Min-Hee Jin, a former SME creative director; their first songs "Attention," "Hype Boy," and "Cookie" found instant success, with "Hype Boy" becoming the longest-running song on the Billboard Global 200 by a K-pop girl group.
Their 2023 EP Get Up, featuring "Super Shy" (co-written by Erika de Casier) and "ETA," topped the Billboard 200, and the group became the first K-pop girl act to play Lollapalooza and broke a Guinness World Record for fastest to one billion Spotify streams.
In 2024, HYBE audited Min over allegations she tried to take ADOR independent, ultimately removing her as CEO; Min accused HYBE of copying NewJeans' style and choreography for its group ILLIT.
The members publicly backed Min, raising concerns over alleged workplace harassment and mishandling of personal data, before the group announced a hiatus in 2025 following a failed rebrand as NJZ and the departure of fifth member Danielle.