NewJeans Prepares Trio Comeback as Danielle Exits, Minji's Future Uncertain

NewJeans is moving forward as a trio. Leaked footage from a London dance studio confirms that Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein are actively preparing new material, while Minji's status remains unresolved and Danielle is out of the picture entirely.

The rehearsal footage, captured via CCTV on February 28, 2026, spread across social media within hours. The three members were seen practicing choreography at a London studio, a rare public confirmation that comeback preparations are underway. The "3H" lineup, as fans have dubbed them, was also spotted at a West End performance of Cabaret at London's Kit Kat Club, accompanied by security.

ADOR's Fragmented Lineup

The group's current configuration reflects the fallout from one of K-pop's most turbulent label disputes. Haerin and Hyein were the first to announce their return to HYBE subsidiary ADOR in November 2025, following a Seoul Central District Court ruling that validated the members' contracts through 2029. Hanni confirmed her return on December 29, 2025.

Minji remains in negotiations. Multiple reports indicate discussions have stretched for over three months, with speculation that she may follow former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin to a new venture. She was reportedly sighted in London around the same time as her groupmates, though her absence from the rehearsal footage speaks volumes.

Danielle's Exit and the $32 Million Lawsuit

The fifth member is gone. ADOR terminated Danielle Marsh's contract on December 29, 2025, the same day Hanni confirmed her return. The agency cited that it was "difficult to continue working with her" and filed a 43.1 billion won (approximately $32.3 million) damages lawsuit against her, a family member, and Min Hee-jin.

Danielle has retained legal counsel and is contesting the termination. She's since opened personal social media accounts and communicated with fans through livestreams. On March 1, she was spotted at the Tokyo Marathon cheering on runners, including singer Sean, a member of her former running crew "Unknown." She appeared in good spirits, smiling and taking photos with fans.

"I fought until the end to stay with the members. They are part of me," Danielle wrote in a message to fans. "Even if we stand in different places, we are still one Bunnies at heart."

Fan Response: Truck Protests and Privacy Concerns

Bunnies, the NewJeans fandom, are not taking the situation quietly. A two-day truck protest was staged outside HYBE headquarters on March 3, 2026, with fans demanding a five-member comeback and holding the agency accountable for what they see as deliberate sabotage of the group.

The CCTV leak itself has become a controversy. The London dance studio issued a statement denying involvement, claiming the individual responsible had been "formally identified and reported to the police." Fans criticized ADOR and HYBE for failing to respond publicly or take visible action to protect the members' privacy. Some speculated the leak was intentional, timed to distract from Min Hee-jin's recent legal victory against HYBE.

What Comes Next

No official announcement has been made regarding the comeback timeline, title track, or promotional plans. What's clear is that NewJeans is preparing to return in a fundamentally different form: three confirmed members, one in limbo, and one legally severed from the group.

For a group that defined 4th-generation K-pop with their coordinated debut and rapid ascent, the fragmentation is unprecedented. Whether the 3H lineup can maintain the NewJeans momentum remains to be seen, but the rehearsal footage suggests ADOR is betting on it.