A leading analyst has sent shockwaves through the K‑pop world with a bold prediction that could reshape the future of one of the biggest girl groups on the planet. According to a fresh report released on June 10, Hana Securities’ Lee Ki Hoon has earmarked NewJeans as a major catalyst for HYBE’s rebound — but with a twist that has fans buzzing with speculation. Lee says there is a “high possibility” that NewJeans will make a triumphant return as a four‑member outfit by October at the very latest, and the impact of that comeback could be enormous for the company’s fortunes.

In his detailed analysis, Lee stressed that NewJeans wasn’t just any act — they were a defining force in the so‑called “fourth generation” of K‑pop stars. Their breakout success helped push the genre into new territory and reshape the global music landscape, and Lee believes that reigniting that momentum could be a turning point for HYBE as a whole. “There is a high possibility that NewJeans will return as a four‑member group by October at the latest,” Lee wrote, underlining the significance of the timing. He suggested that, if the group does indeed come back with that lineup, the resulting buzz and commercial performance could trigger a much‑needed rebound for the entertainment giant.

It’s a tantalizing prospect — but one that also comes with plenty of unanswered questions. Right now, both HYBE and ADOR, the label that manages NewJeans, have played their cards close to their chest. Official details about the comeback’s exact schedule, the final lineup, and how the group will be presented to fans remain mysterious. In the industry, that level of silence so far out from a predicted October return is unusual, and it’s only ramped up the sense of anticipation — and anxiety — among supporters around the world.

What is certain, however, is that work is already underway behind the scenes. ADOR has confirmed that members of NewJeans have been active in pre‑production work, with several of them spotted in Copenhagen taking part in studio sessions and early recording efforts. It’s a clear sign that something is brewing, even if the full picture isn’t yet visible. For fans who have been starved of updates, it’s fuel for fevered discussion across social media, fan cafés, and online forums.

The biggest question mark hanging over all of this is the makeup of the group itself. NewJeans burst onto the scene with a lineup that quickly became beloved across continents, but recent developments have thrown that configuration into uncertainty. Danielle’s contract with the group was terminated earlier this year, and while there has been no definitive word on Minji’s status, it remains unresolved. These changes have led to widespread speculation that the next NewJeans era could see them as a four‑member unit, rather than the five‑piece that initially captured hearts worldwide.

For some fans, the idea of a reconfigured NewJeans is bittersweet. The group’s original chemistry and dynamics were a huge part of their mystique, and seeing that shift can be emotionally challenging for long‑time supporters. Yet others are choosing to focus on the positive: if NewJeans does return with four members and delivers the kind of music and performance quality they’re known for, it could be the beginning of an even more explosive global chapter.

Lee Ki Hoon’s report doesn’t stop at the imminent comeback. It also paints a bigger picture of HYBE’s long‑term trajectory, particularly in terms of live performances and touring. Analysts are predicting a boom in large‑scale world tours by 2028, which could transform the earnings landscape not just for HYBE, but for the entire entertainment industry. Names like SEVENTEEN, NewJeans, KATSEYE, and Cortis were highlighted as key players expected to lead these massive global ventures.

According to the projections, these tours could inject a staggering ₩500‑600 billion into revenue — a figure that underscores just how lucrative live music has become in the post‑pandemic era. For an industry that has grappled with uncertainty and shifting consumption patterns over the past few years, the promise of such windfalls points to a brighter horizon. If the predictions hold true, NewJeans could be front and center of that transformation, helping to anchor HYBE’s resurgence and push K‑pop deeper into mainstream consciousness across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and beyond.

Back on the immediate front, however, all eyes are fixed on what comes next. With ADOR confirming pre‑production activity but offering no clarity on timing, fans are caught in a mix of excitement and frustration. They’re hungry for official news — when exactly will the comeback drop? Who will be in the lineup? What will the new sound and concept look like? Every snippet, every studio photo, every cryptic social media post is being dissected for potential clues.

There’s no denying that uncertainty can be difficult to sit with. But it’s also part of what makes the build‑up to a K‑pop comeback so electric. Rumors swirl, theories flourish, and anticipation reaches fever pitch — especially when the stakes are as high as they are with NewJeans. After all, this is a group that has already proven they can dominate charts, set trends, and captivate audiences worldwide. The question now is whether they can do it again — and whether the path they take to get there will be the moment that turns HYBE’s year around.

For now, fans wait, speculate, and hope — and the world watches to see if this prediction comes true by October.