Danielle (Njz) speaks of the rights of trainees and young artists: a heated debate in the K-pop sector

Recently, Danielle, a member of the K-Pop Njz group, expressed concern about the conditions that trainees and young artists face during their training periods. In a live broadcast, he shared his profound thoughts on the immense pressure that many trainees bear, including constant comparisons, relentless rankings and sometimes a lack of support necessary.

Shocking revelations on the K-pop trainee system

Danielle said:

“Nowadays there are internships that start in an even younger age, and I feel as if I am certainly not saying that all trainees would be in this type of situation, I am just saying that there could be trainees that, like me, are constantly kept in a position in which they are not stopping that are confronted and do not classify non-stop, and this is excruciating and who worries me. They make a dream of performing on stage and being an artist, they shouldn’t be treated in that way.

His words quickly turned on the discussions on the working conditions of Source Music, in which Danielle previously formed before joining Adr, the current management of Njz. He continued to express concern for trainees who may not have a voice to talk about their experiences.

Issues relating to the rights of the K-Pop sector and artists

The K-pop trainee system has long been known for its rigorous and demanding nature. However, Danielle’s request for change raised questions that such rigorous training methods are truly necessary. He underlined:

“I don’t think trainees or artists should also experiment with a distance situation similar to the one I passed in that phase, because it is so excruciating. What if they don’t have a voice, the support they need and deserve? “

Speaking on behalf of the trainees who cannot defend themselves, Danielle urged the change in the way the young artists are treated:

“On behalf of those young artists and trainees who may not have a voice to speak, please. People should be treated as people and every individual deserves respect and dignity. “

Public and fans reactions

Following Danielle’s revelations, a support wave has flooded social media. The fans expressed deep sympathy for her and invited entertainment companies to reconsider the conditions in which the trainees are trained. Many believe that the K-pop industry needs a reform to ensure the physical and mental well-being of future idols.

Hanni: differences between trainees and contracts of artists, is that we are all human.

Danielle: trainees have dreamed of performing one day on stage / being an artist, should not be treated as dolls.

Thank God, Stan brave girls. pic.twitter.com/qhlvkzjv1p

– Cherry (@Bredluvpham) March 15, 2025

While Ador and Source Music have not yet published an official response to Danielle’s statements, the conversation on the rights of internships in K-pop continues to earn the momentum. Requests for better training conditions could marry the beginning of a significant change in the sector.

Conclusion

Danielle’s statements not only shed light on the darkest aspects of the K-pop industry, but also raise broader questions about the treatment of young artists. Strengthening a balance between professional training and protection of the rights of internships is a crucial question that the industry must face seriously. Is K-Pop on the verge of transformation to create a healthier environment for future idols? This remains a hot topic that will continue to unleash discussions in the coming months.