It started with birthday cookies. It ended with one of the most discussed statements in K-pop right now. On May 7 — Minji’s birthday — a flurry of activity around NewJeans’ official accounts reignited fan hopes about the group’s last undecided member, sending the fandom into an emotional frenzy. Here’s exactly what happened and where things stand.
Table of Contents
NewJeans & ADOR — The Current Member Status
| Member | Status |
|---|---|
| Haerin | ✅ Returned to ADOR (November 2025) |
| Hyein | ✅ Returned to ADOR (November 2025) |
| Hanni | ✅ Returned to ADOR (December 2025) |
| Danielle | ❌ Exclusive contract terminated |
| Minji | 🔄 Return still under discussion |
Birthday Cookies That Sparked a Thousand Rumours
On May 7, which is Minji’s birthday, NewJeans’ official social media accounts posted several photos of cookies that Minji recently baked for fans visiting her birthday cafe, leading to rumors of her return.
For a fandom that has been dissecting every post, every activity, and every silence for months, seeing Minji’s name and face back on the official NewJeans account on her birthday felt like more than just a celebration — it felt like a signal. Naturally, Bunnies (NewJeans’ fanbase) flooded social media with hopeful reactions, and the hashtag #HAPPY_MINJI_DAY trended across platforms within hours.
ADOR Responds — Carefully, But Positively
The agency didn’t stay quiet for long. In response, ADOR commented, “We are continuing internal discussions regarding her future activities,” adding, “We have no specific details to provide at this time. We would appreciate it if you could understand that discussions are generally proceeding in a positive direction.”
That final phrase — “generally proceeding in a positive direction” — is the one fans are holding onto right now. It’s not a confirmation, but it’s far from a door being closed either. In the carefully measured world of K-pop agency statements, calling discussions “positive” carries real weight.
How Did We Get Here? The Full NewJeans Timeline
The story of NewJeans’ turbulent period is one of the most talked-about sagas in recent K-pop history. Last November, ADOR announced Haerin and Hyein’s return, and in December Hanni also returned. Currently, Danielle has been notified of the termination of her exclusive contract, while Minji’s return is still under discussion.
The group had already begun showing signs of activity in 2026. Earlier in April, Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni were spotted filming in Copenhagen, sparking curiosity about whether Minji will return. Three members filming together — without Minji — reinforced the question that the entire fandom has been asking: will NewJeans ever be five again?
What’s Next?
The path ahead is still unclear, but the birthday post, the Copenhagen filming, and ADOR’s carefully worded “positive direction” statement are all small but significant breadcrumbs. Fans will be watching every official move closely in the weeks ahead.
For the latest NewJeans updates, K-pop news, and entertainment coverage as it happens, visit TechnoSports — your trusted source for all things pop culture.
FAQs
Q: Has Minji officially confirmed her return to NewJeans and ADOR?
No — as of May 7, 2026, ADOR confirmed that discussions about Minji’s return are ongoing and “proceeding in a positive direction,” but no official confirmation has been made yet.
Q: Which NewJeans members have already returned to ADOR?
Haerin and Hyein returned in November 2025, followed by Hanni in December 2025. Danielle’s contract has been terminated, while Minji’s situation remains under discussion.
