{"id":562654,"date":"2026-07-22T14:20:25","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T14:20:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/562654\/"},"modified":"2026-07-22T14:20:25","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T14:20:25","slug":"newjeans-return-with-surprise-anniversary-release-but-danielles-absence-reignites-fan-backlash-video","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/562654\/","title":{"rendered":"NewJeans return with surprise anniversary release, but Danielle\u2019s absence reignites fan backlash (VIDEO)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Malay<\/p>\n

SEOUL, July 22 \u2014 NewJeans have resurfaced with a surprise release of new videos and photos to mark the group\u2019s fourth anniversary, but the long-awaited update has been overshadowed by the conspicuous absence of Danielle, reigniting fan backlash over the K-pop act\u2019s ongoing dispute with agency Ador.<\/p>\n

Released late yesterday, the anniversary content features Minji, Hanni, Haerin and Hyein in a mix of solo and group videos and photos celebrating four years since NewJeans debuted on July 22, 2022.<\/p>\n

While many fans welcomed the unexpected update after months without new group activities, others quickly rallied around the message that the group was incomplete without Danielle, who remains embroiled in a legal dispute with Ador.<\/p>\n

\u201cNewJeans is five, not four. You can\u2019t have a rainbow without the sun,\u201d one fan wrote, echoing a slogan that rapidly spread across social media following the release.<\/p>\n

Despite the backlash, the new content amassed millions of views and likes in less than 12 hours, underscoring the group\u2019s enduring popularity even as questions remain over its future.<\/p>\n

The anniversary release marks NewJeans\u2019 most significant public update since a bitter dispute between the members and Ador upended one of K-pop\u2019s biggest success stories.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/a>View this post on Instagram<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

A post shared by NewJeans (@newjeans_official)<\/a><\/p>\n

The five members had previously alleged bullying and harassment and sought to terminate their exclusive contracts with the agency. The legal battle culminated in the Seoul High Court ruling that the contracts remain valid until 2029.<\/p>\n

Following the ruling, the members announced that they would return to Ador. However, any prospect of a full reunion was soon thrown into doubt after Ador said it had terminated its contract with Danielle, accusing the Australian-born singer of \u201cengaging in independent entertainment activities\u201d. Danielle is currently involved in a separate lawsuit with the company.<\/p>\n

In a statement carried by South Korean media, Ador described yesterday\u2019s release as \u201ccommemorative content produced for fans to enjoy together in celebration of the fourth anniversary of NewJeans\u2019 debut\u201d.<\/p>\n

The agency added: \u201cWe plan to announce NewJeans\u2019 specific activity plans and format once discussions with the members have been fully concluded.\u201d<\/p>\n

Danielle, meanwhile, shared new photos of herself last night alongside a reflective message that many fans interpreted as a sign of resilience amid the ongoing dispute.<\/p>\n

\u201cLife gets cloudy sometimes, but the light always finds its way back in. Until then, keep shining.\u201d<\/p>\n