# NewJeans Releases First Teasers as Four-Member Group Without Danielle New era begins without Danielle: NewJeans drops nostalgic summer-themed teasers. - **Source:** [Forbes - Business](https://brifing.si/source/e0310925-a7af-4d4b-80a7-c80d400e49fa) - **Published:** 2026-07-21 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/60dd8a25-ee4c-4d5b-b96e-72120e72b88d ## Signs of NewJeans' New Era South Korean K-pop group NewJeans has released their first teasers with their new four-member lineup. Shared by HYBE subsidiary ADOR, the individual and group content signals preparations for their 2026 summer comeback. Maintaining their signature Y2K nostalgic aesthetic, the group moves forward without Danielle. ## Minji's Return Officially Confirmed Minji's return to the group lineup, previously uncertain due to legal disputes, has been confirmed through the released teasers. ADOR officials stated in June 2026 that discussions with Minji were 'progressing positively.' Her appearance in teasers alongside Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein officially marks this long-awaited return. ## Parting Ways with Danielle The group officially separated from Danielle following legal proceedings that began in 2024. ADOR filed a $30 million lawsuit against Danielle and former CEO Min Hee-jin. Danielle is now focusing on her independent career, having released a self-composed demo in April 2026 as her first solo step. ## NewJeans' Meteoric Rise and Crisis Debuting in 2022 with 'Attention,' NewJeans quickly achieved major success both in South Korea and internationally. Their second EP 'Get Up' topped the Billboard 200, making them IFPI's 8th best-selling act worldwide. However, the 2024 dispute between ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin and HYBE deeply shook the group. ## Legal Process and Group Dynamics The members' 2024 attempt to invalidate their contracts with ADOR was rejected by the court, which ruled the contracts valid until 2029. This decision formalized Danielle's departure while confirming the other four members' continuation under the group's banner. ## Structural Issues in K-pop Industry NewJeans' ordeal has reignited discussions about structural problems in the K-pop industry. Power dynamics between companies and artists, contract disputes, and creative control struggles remain persistent challenges. How NewJeans navigates this crisis will set an important precedent for the K-pop world. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.forbes.com/sites/hannahabraham/2026/07/21/newjeans-releases-first-teasers-as-four-member-group-without-danielle/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._