Former NewJeans member Danielle has taken her first public step towards an independent future by launching a personal YouTube channel while facing an ongoing legal dispute with her former agency ADOR.
The Australian-born K-pop singer uploaded her first video, titled Detour, to the channel Dazzibelle on Thursday. The video shows Danielle speaking to viewers beside a lake in Australia, where she has been spending time with her family.
«I’ve really, really missed my home,» she said. «The nature, the ocean and of course my family.»
Danielle said returning home had given her an opportunity to rest and reconnect with her family after a turbulent period in her career.
«The first thing I chose to do was to spend time with the family back home,» she told viewers.
A new chapter after NewJeans
The launch of the channel marks Danielle’s latest public appearance since her exclusive contract with ADOR was terminated in December 2025.
Danielle was one of the five original members of NewJeans, which debuted in 2022 and quickly became one of the most internationally successful K-pop groups of its generation. The group later became embroiled in a lengthy dispute with ADOR following the departure of former chief executive and producer Min Hee-jin.
The members attempted to leave the agency in late 2024, arguing that their relationship with the company had broken down. However, a South Korean court later upheld the validity of their contracts.
ADOR subsequently ended its contract with Danielle, saying it had become difficult for her to continue as an artist under the company. The agency later filed a major damages lawsuit connected to the wider dispute.
Danielle previously told fans that she had fought to remain with her fellow members.
«I fought until the very end to be together with the members,» she said in a January livestream, adding that NewJeans would always remain in her heart.
«My own adventure»
In her new YouTube video, Danielle did not provide details about the lawsuit or reveal specific plans for her future career. Instead, she presented the channel as the beginning of a more personal journey.
After taking time to recover, she said she felt ready to move forward.
«Fully recharged now,» Danielle said she was prepared to begin «my own adventure».
The wording appears to signal a shift towards independent activities, although she has not announced plans to release solo music or sign with a new management company.
