Three members of NewJeans were spotted attending a Cabaret musical performance at London’s Kit Kat Club on February 25, 2026—but one crucial member was missing.
The Sighting That Sparked Speculation
A fan posted on X (formerly Twitter): I ran into NewJeans at Cabaret in London today. I went to see tonight’s performance, and when we sat down for the opening, I noticed a really beautiful girl…
The three members reportedly seen:
- Hanni
- Haerin
- Hyein
Conspicuously absent: Minji.
Why This Matters
Minji’s whereabouts have been the subject of intense speculation since the NewJeans-ADOR contract dispute erupted. While Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein returned to ADOR and Danielle’s contract was terminated, Minji’s status remains unclear.
This London sighting without her raises uncomfortable questions:
1. Is Minji Still in the Group?
If three members are traveling together for leisure in London while Minji is absent, it suggests potential division within the group’s lineup.
2. The “3H” Future?
Some fans are now speculating that NewJeans might continue as a three-member group (Hanni, Haerin, Hyein—the “3H” lineup), with Minji and Danielle effectively out.
3. Or Is This Just a Break?
Alternatively, Minji could simply be taking personal time while the others reconnect. The ADOR dispute has been grueling, and individual members may be processing it differently.
The Timeline of NewJeans Crisis
August 2024: HYBE ousts Min Hee Jin as ADOR CEO
October 2024: Court rules NewJeans must honor contract through 2029
January 2026: Danielle’s contract terminated
February 2026: Hanni, Haerin, Hyein return to ADOR; Minji’s status remains undecided
February 25, 2026: Three members spotted in London—Minji nowhere to be seen
What Fans Are Saying
Social media has erupted with theories and concerns about what this sighting means for NewJeans’ future lineup.
The Business Calculation
From ADOR’s perspective, continuing with three members might be pragmatic:
- Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein have returned and presumably signed amended contracts
- Three-member girl groups can succeed (see: VIVIZ, 3YE)
- It avoids the limbo of waiting for Minji’s decision while Danielle is already out
But here’s the problem: NewJeans’ brand identity is tied to all five members. Their choreography, vocal distribution, and visual symmetry were designed for a five-person group. Removing 40% of the lineup isn’t a minor adjustment—it’s a reinvention.
What Happens to Minji?
Three scenarios:
Scenario 1: She Returns
Minji resolves whatever is keeping her from rejoining, signs a modified contract with ADOR, and NewJeans becomes a four-member group (losing only Danielle).
Scenario 2: She Leaves
Minji decides not to return to ADOR. NewJeans continues as a trio, and Minji either joins Danielle under Min Hee Jin’s new agency or pursues solo activities.
Scenario 3: Legal Limbo
Minji remains undecided, ADOR can’t move forward with a clear lineup, and the group remains in suspended animation indefinitely.
None of these are ideal.
The Emotional Toll
Lost in all this speculation is the fact that these are young women in their early 20s whose careers have become a legal battlefield.
- Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein are trying to rebuild their careers under ADOR
- Danielle was forced out entirely
- Minji is caught in the middle, with every move (or lack thereof) dissected by millions
Seeing three members together in London without Minji isn’t just gossip—it’s a visual representation of how this dispute has fractured what was once K-pop’s most promising new group.
The Bigger Picture
NewJeans debuted in 2022 to massive acclaim. By 2023, they were being called “game-changers.” Their blend of Y2K nostalgia, minimalist production, and effortless charisma made them stand out in an oversaturated market.
Two years later, they’re fighting for their survival as a group.
This isn’t just about contracts and lawsuits. It’s about whether the K-pop industry’s rigid control structures can accommodate artists who want agency in their own careers—and what happens when they can’t.
What’s Next?
The London sighting suggests that Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein are moving forward together. Whether that means:
- NewJeans as a trio
- NewJeans as a quartet if Minji returns
- Or the end of NewJeans entirely if neither option works
…remains to be seen.
For now, fans are left watching from the sidelines as one of K-pop’s brightest acts navigates its darkest chapter.
The Bottom Line
Three members in London. One member conspicuously absent. One member already gone.
NewJeans’ future is being written in real time, and it’s not the fairytale story anyone expected when they debuted just four years ago.
The question isn’t whether NewJeans will survive this crisis—it’s who will be part of NewJeans when it’s finally over.
What do you think? Can NewJeans continue as a three or four-member group, or is the magic gone? Share your thoughts below, and subscribe to our newsletter for more K-pop news and analysis.