On February 2, 2026, fans of NewJeans noticed a series of changes across the group’s official platforms, sparking online discussion. Various fan accounts of the group on X reported on the day that ADOR updated NewJeans’ profile images and banners on X, Facebook, and YouTube.
They replaced OT5 images with the group’s logo and the Binky Bong character from NewJeans’s official lightstick. The cover photos featuring all five members also disappeared from multiple profiles.
Fans also reported that, at the same time, the Spotify artist description was edited. References to ADOR’s founder and former CEO Min Hee-jin and the individual members’ names were removed.
These updates come just over a month after ADOR announced on December 29, 2025, that member Danielle would no longer be part of the group. The remaining four members were confirmed to be continuing their activities under ADOR.
With the latest changes, many fans started interpreting the updates as a formal rebranding toward an OT4 lineup. While no official statement yet released about a new concept or direction, the coordinated edits across platforms suggested a strategic shift to them.
Fans sharing the news voiced their thoughts and opinions on X. Some expressed concern about how the transition will look going forward. One user wrote,
“It’s going to be so weird… It’ll feel strange seeing edited photos of just the four.”
Fans continued to express concern, with many saying that ADOR and HYBE’s decisions could end up harming the group.
Some argued that it might have been better for the group to disband entirely rather than continue through rebranding and further member changes.
Others took a different view, saying the changes were a normal part of the transition. With one member gone, others still in talks, and a comeback reportedly being prepared, they saw the updated images and rebrand as a routine step.
ADOR, NewJeans, Danielle, and Min Hee-jin: Latest legal and group activity updates
ADOR formally announced the termination of Danielle’s exclusive contract on December 29, 2025. On the same day, the agency confirmed that she would no longer continue as a member of NewJeans or as an artist under ADOR.
According to ADOR, the decision followed what the company described as a complete breakdown in trust. The agency stated that Danielle had allegedly entered into conflicting agreements and participated in outside entertainment activities without authorization, which it said violated the terms of her contract. ADOR said it had notified her of the termination and concluded that continued cooperation was no longer possible.
ADOR also revealed plans to pursue legal action against both a family member of Danielle and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. The agency claimed that both individuals played a role in escalating the dispute and influencing Danielle’s departure from the group.
In the same round of updates, ADOR confirmed that Hanni would return to the agency and resume group activities, adding that discussions with Minji were ongoing and described them as constructive. ADOR had previously confirmed in November of 2025 that members Haerin and Hyein would continue promotions under the label.
On January 12, 2026, Danielle addressed fans for the first time since her removal through a livestream on Instagram and YouTube. During the stream, she did not provide specific details about her legal situation but said discussions were still in progress and that she would share more when appropriate.
Danielle stated that she had done her best to remain with NewJeans and emphasized that the group would always hold a place in her heart. She thanked fans for their support and described the moment as the beginning of a new chapter, saying she hoped to connect with supporters in various ways in the future.
Meanwhile, further controversy unfolded at a January 28 press conference held by Min Hee-jin’s legal team. Attorney Kim Seon-woong of Ji-am Law Firm rejected allegations that Min had engaged in “NewJeans tampering.” He instead claimed that the situation stemmed from actions by the family of a NewJeans member and a businessman, who allegedly used the group and Min Hee-jin in a broader stock manipulation scheme.
Kim stated that Min was sued for damages on December 30, 2025, with claims that she had interfered with ADOR’s management rights by attempting to separate the members from the company. He said Min believed her issues with ADOR had already been resolved and that she had sought to return to NewJeans and resume activities, even offering to relinquish her shareholder rights.
Min’s attorneys now claimed they were reviewing whether the alleged actions amount to organized stock price manipulation and nationwide fraud. They stated that Min plans to file criminal complaints and maintain that she was not responsible for the alleged tampering.
As of now, ADOR, Danielle, and Min Hee-jin remain involved in multiple legal and contractual disputes. The agency continues to move forward with NewJeans’ activities as a four-member group while discussions and court proceedings involving the former member and former CEO are ongoing. For now, ADOR has not clarified the meaning behind the rebrand.
Edited by Adrija Chakraborty