NewJeans’ Haerin, Hyein spotted in Denmark as comeback buzz grows
NewJeans' Haerin, left, and Hyein / Xportsnews
NewJeans members Haerin and Hyein have been spotted in Europe, fueling speculation about the group’s next move — even as their former bandmate, Danielle, signals a separate path with a surprise music release amid an ongoing legal battle.
Multiple eyewitness accounts surfaced on Chinese social media platform Weibo on Sunday, claiming that Haerin was seen in Copenhagen, Denmark. One user said, "I saw someone who looked exactly like her and thought, ‘Could it be?’ But by the time I tried to follow, she and her group were walking too fast." The user added they were convinced that they did see the NewJeans member after seeing similar posts from others.
"She stood out because she was so pretty," the user said, noting Haerin’s distinctive cat-like eyes and familiar fashion style as clues that made her easy to recognize.
NewJeans' Hyein, left, and Haerin / Xportsnews
Photos shared online appear to show Haerin walking down a street in a gray jacket-and-skirt set alongside what looked like staff members. She is seen smiling and chatting.
Another fan said they encountered both Haerin and Hyein in Copenhagen, saying, "I told Hyein she was so pretty, and she kept smiling and saying thank you. They even said goodbye to us when they left." The fan also noted that one of the two was holding a camera inside a store, raising curiosity about whether the members were filming content overseas.
Notably, no sightings of fellow member Hanni were reported this time. However, she was previously spotted in her hometown of Australia in January, while Minji was reportedly seen in London in February — suggesting all members have been active abroad individually.
The scattered global sightings come as interest grows over the group’s future. Last October, their agency ADOR won a court case confirming the validity of its exclusive contracts with all five members. Following the ruling, Haerin and Hyein expressed their intention to return, while Hanni has confirmed her comeback. Minji is still said to be in discussions.
Danielle / Xportsnews
Danielle, however, has taken a different route. After being notified of her contract termination, she left the group and is now facing a damages lawsuit totaling 43.1 billion won (approximately $32 million). The lawsuit also involves a family member and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin.
Despite the legal tensions, Danielle reconnected with fans on Saturday by uploading a file titled "Demo" to her personal social media account, marking her birthday. The clip featured a self-produced demo track, which fans interpreted as the first step in her solo career following her departure from the group.
With members appearing across different parts of the world — and one already hinting at a new musical chapter — NewJeans is once again at the center of global fan speculation, with questions mounting over when and how the group’s next era will unfold.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.