A purported sighting of NewJeans member Minji in London has surfaced online as the future of the K-pop group remains uncertain following a recent legal victory for former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin against HYBE, the group’s parent company.
The alleged sighting was first reported on the social media platform Threads by a user claiming to have encountered someone resembling Minji on February 12, 2026. The user described the individual as wearing a black star beanie, black leather down jacket, and camouflage pants – clothing items reportedly provided to NewJeans by BAPE – and noted the person was preoccupied with a phone. The fan stated they overheard staff referring to the individual as “Kim.”
The post, accompanied by a photograph, quickly circulated on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), sparking reactions from fans. Many expressed relief at the possibility of Minji taking a break from the ongoing turmoil surrounding HYBE and ADOR. Some fans voiced hope that she was enjoying a vacation, while others expressed a desire for her to remain distanced from the conflict.
The developments follow a ruling by the Seoul Central District Court on February 12, 2026, in favor of Min Hee Jin in her lawsuit against HYBE. Forbes reported the court validated Min’s exercise of a put option, rejecting HYBE’s arguments regarding the termination of a shareholder agreement. The lawsuit stemmed from disputes over management and creative control within ADOR, with allegations of mismanagement leveled against Min Hee Jin.
Despite the legal outcome and the reported sighting, HYBE has yet to release any official statement regarding Minji’s status within NewJeans or the group’s future direction. The uncertainty surrounding Minji’s position continues, leaving fans and industry observers awaiting further clarification from the company.
