The separation between NewJeans and former member Danielle now appears final, as the group’s agency has started removing her from official platforms.
Fans noticed updates across NewJeans’ social media channels on February 2, including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube. Banner images that once featured all five members were replaced with the group’s logo or an image of their official light stick.
The changes also extended to streaming platforms. On Spotify, the “About” section for NewJeans was updated, with individual member names removed and Min Hee Jin’s name deleted from the artist introduction.
Fans and industry observers see these updates as a clear step toward rebranding NewJeans as a four-member group. This follows earlier moves by HYBE’s gaming subsidiary, DRIMAGE, which removed Danielle’s character and related items from the mobile rhythm game Rhythm Hive.
The developments come after a messy legal battle. Even though ADOR recently won the first trial over the group’s contracts, internal conflicts ultimately led to Danielle’s departure.
Last December, ADOR confirmed that members Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni would remain with the agency. Discussions regarding leader Minji are reportedly ongoing. Meanwhile, Danielle was notified that her exclusive contract had been terminated and that she was removed from the group.
ADOR then filed a lawsuit against Danielle, seeking approximately 43.1 billion won ($31.5 million) in penalties and damages for breach of contract.
Danielle pushed back, hiring lawyers from SHIN & KIM LLC, the same firm that now defends Cha Eun Woo in his tax case. She also created personal accounts on Instagram and the Chinese platform Xiaohongshu to connect directly with fans.
In a recent livestream, Danielle spoke emotionally about her departure, saying that she fought until the end to stay with the members. She acknowledged that there are moments of anxiety and fear but emphasized her determination to find the good in those challenges.
She remained hopeful about the future, describing difficult moments not as impossible, but as situations that simply require a little more time.
>> Danielle Calls NewJeans Members Her ‘Second Family’ in Heartfelt Letter After Departure
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