On February 2, NewJeans’ official social media accounts on X, Facebook, and YouTube simultaneously changed their banner images. The previously used group photo was replaced with the group’s logo, while the X profile image was switched from a group picture to an image of the official light stick.
The changes did not stop there. On Spotify, the artist profile description was also edited. The individual member names—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—were removed, along with the name of Min Hee-jin, the founder and former CEO of ADOR. With both the SNS banners and Spotify descriptions revised in quick succession, online speculation has grown that preparations for a four-member NewJeans lineup may now be underway.
Earlier signs of change were also spotted in the mobile rhythm game Rhythm Hive, operated by DRIMAGE, a gaming subsidiary of HYBE. In the game, Danielle was noticeably removed from NewJeans’ group images, and her related elements were no longer visible in the artist lineup or item selection screens.
Previously, ADOR had won the first trial in its lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of the members’ exclusive contracts. Following the ruling, all five members reportedly expressed their intention to return and chose not to appeal. However, Danielle was excluded from the return. In an official statement released last December, ADOR confirmed the return of Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni, while stating that discussions were ongoing regarding Minji’s return. As for Danielle, the agency explained that she had been notified of the termination of her exclusive contract.
The conflict between ADOR and Danielle has since escalated into a legal battle. ADOR filed a lawsuit against her, seeking approximately 43.1 billion KRW in penalties and damages, citing breach of exclusive contract.
Meanwhile, Danielle has begun charting an independent path. She recently opened personal accounts on Instagram and the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu. In a recent SNS live broadcast, she shared her thoughts, saying she “fought to the very end to stay with the members,” adding that while there may be moments of anxiety and fear ahead, she will continue trying to find something positive within them. She concluded by expressing her resolve, stating that difficult moments are not “impossible,” but simply times that “require a little more patience.”
Sources: Daum