Controversy arose when Danielle sang BTS and Coldplay's song "My Universe" during a livestream, despite NewJeans being in a legal battle with HYBE.
Danielle’s Livestream Sparks Debate
According to Koreaboo, Danielle recently held a livestream from the studio alongside her older sister, singer Olivia Marsh. A clip of her casually singing "My Universe" quickly gained attention on social media.
On the online forum Pann Nate, a post criticizing Danielle for singing a BTS song amid NewJeans’ dispute with HYBE attracted nearly 130,000 views. However, many Korean netizens defended Danielle, arguing that NewJeans’ legal battle is with HYBE and ADOR, not BTS.
Fans commented:
"She is suing HYBE, not BTS? Why are people going too far?"
"I am an ARMY, and she has no issue with BTS."
"Who cares if she sings a BTS song? NewJeans is not fighting BTS."
"The song automatically plays when listening to Coldplay’s music. Skipping it would be even weirder."
NewJeans’ Ongoing Legal Battle with HYBE and ADOR
Since November 29, 2024, the five members of NewJeans (Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, Hyein) have been in a contract dispute with ADOR, a HYBE subsidiary. The group held a press conference announcing the termination of their exclusive contract.
In response, ADOR filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court, requesting a temporary restraining order to maintain its status as NewJeans’ management company and prevent them from signing third-party advertising deals.
The members have since created a new Instagram account, @jeanzforfree, where they have been active since their contract termination announcement.
By December 2024, after fulfilling their scheduled commitments in Japan, the members left the ADOR-provided dormitory. On January 23, 2025, NewJeans revealed they had hired a professional legal team to represent them in court against ADOR and HYBE.
NewJeans Speaks Out Against HYBE and ADOR
In a public statement, the members accused HYBE and ADOR of failing to protect and support their artists. They claimed they faced obstacles throughout their careers and could have been replaced at any time.
"HYBE and ADOR have not fulfilled their obligations to support us. We were put in situations where our careers could be ended at any time under the guise of 'long-term vacations.'”
The group also made it clear that they have no plans to reconcile with their former management:
"The five of us have absolutely no intention of returning to work with HYBE and ADOR. We are determined to fight confidently in court."
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Danielle’s brief performance of a BTS song continues to spark debate, reflecting the complexities of idol-fan-company relationships in K-pop.
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