Danielle / Captured from BBC Korea
Now officially a former member of NewJeans after her contract was terminated by Ador in December, Danielle faces an uncertain future.
While Haerin and Hyein returned quickly, Danielle’s path diverged. Like Minji and Hanni, she eventually expressed a belated intent to return to Ador, but after a month of attempted coordination, the agency announced her departure.
Ador cited “heavy responsibility” on the part of one of Danielle’s family members for sparking internal disputes and delaying the members’ return to the group. The agency has filed a lawsuit seeking around 43.1 billion won ($29.4 million) in damages and penalties against Danielle’s family as well as former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin.
With Haerin, Hyein and Hanni reportedly returning to Ador, while Minji’s final status remains undecided, Danielle has been left on her own — a sudden removal that shocked fans and drew industry attention.
After two weeks of silence, Danielle resurfaced on Jan. 12, launching a personal social media account and hosting a livestream to speak directly to fans.
“Under a strange sky, I met myself again,” she told viewers. “Many situations are still being sorted out. When the time comes, I will update you about what’s happening and about all the things you are curious about.”
She added, “This is not the end. It is just the beginning,” hinting at her future plans.
Rumors that she is testing the waters in the Chinese market have gone around after she opened an account on Xiaohongshu (Red Note), a popular Chinese social media platform.
Despite the controversy, her reputation appears intact. High-profile figures, including artist and past NewJeans collaborator Takashi Murakami, as well as various fashion insiders, have followed her new personal accounts — a subtle show of support in the wake of her removal from the group.
However, an immediate return to the stage may be difficult. Analysts warn that the massive ongoing lawsuit makes her a risky signing for agencies or brands in the near term.
Danielle has reportedly appointed legal counsel to prepare for the upcoming court battle against Ador. As she attempts to stand on her own, the K-pop world is watching to see if she can overcome the legal headwinds and truly spread new wings as a solo artist.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.