Kpop group NewJeans sends a positive signal for their return to activity when announcing a new series of photos and videos with a 4-member lineup - Minji, Hanni, Haerin, Hyein (except Danielle) - to celebrate their 4th anniversary of debut.
This is the first time NewJeans have appeared as a group in a new content after about 1 year and 4 months. Although the specific operating plan has not been announced, as well as Minji's joining the lineup has not been officially confirmed by ADOR, this move still pushes fans' expectations of a NewJeans of 4 members to the highest level.
After one day, 8 posts on NewJeans' official Instagram account have surpassed 9.5 million likes and received more than 100,000 comments. These figures show that, despite a long period of interruption of operations and exclusive contract disputes, there are still many fans waiting for NewJeans to return.
However, the overwhelming attraction on social networks does not mean that the comeback will definitely be successful. With their inherent fame and many scandals occurring, all NewJeans' choices and results will be evaluated more strictly than before.
In fact, designer Park Si Young has also frankly criticized the group's new content, saying that the image and aesthetics are not really impressive.
NewJeans' first challenge is Danielle's space.
In December last year, ADOR announced the termination of its exclusive contract with Danielle and is currently carrying out a lawsuit demanding compensation for damages to her and her family.
Previously, NewJeans had repeatedly emphasized that "all 5 people must work together", so how fans will accept a 4-member lineup without Danielle is the first problem the group has to face.
Besides, Danielle is one of the main vocalists of the group, and also possesses a prominent international spirit. Filling her gap is considered a factor that can determine the success or failure of her comeback.
When performing with a 4-member lineup, the quality of live singing and the group's performance will certainly be scrutinized thoroughly. NewJeans will have to prove that they can compensate for the gap left by Danielle in terms of both vocals and stage, and at the same time show that the 4 members still maintain the same harmony as before even after a long period of interruption.
The second challenge is music. NewJeans have continuously created hits such as "Attention", "Hype Boy", "Ditto", "OMG" and "Super Shy", thereby becoming one of the typical representatives of easy-to-listen Kpop music.
However, when former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and many key members of the production crew no longer accompany, a change in music orientation is almost inevitable.
The big question is whether NewJeans will continue to maintain the characteristic style that made their name or will bring a completely new color.
The final challenge is the image and trust that have been eroded during contract disputes.
In the past nearly 2 years, when entangled in legal battles, independent operation efforts and interviews at home and abroad, NewJeans appeared in the media because of conflicts and controversies more than because of music.
Although there are still many fans standing on the group's side, many viewers also expressed fatigue and resentment at the prolonged scandals.
Whether this comeback is successful or not will depend on NewJeans' upcoming music products, as well as the ability to restore public trust.
