On February 2, NewJeans’ official social media accounts on X, Facebook and YouTube simultaneously changed their banner images. The previously used group photo has been replaced with the group’s logo, while the X profile picture has been changed from a group photo to an official lightbar image.
The changes didn’t stop there. The artist’s profile description has also been changed on Spotify. The names of the individual members – Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein – have been removed, along with the name of Min Hee-jin, ADOR’s founder and former CEO. With SNS banners and Spotify descriptions reviewed in rapid succession, online speculation has mounted that preparations for a four-member NewJeans lineup may now be underway.
NewJeans popularity debate
" data-medium-file="https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/07/11154052/newjeans-popularity-debate-thumbnail-20250711t153154000z-1107253-390x260.webp" data-large-file="https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/07/11154052/newjeans-popularity-debate-thumbnail-20250711t153154000z-1107253.webp" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" alt="Debate on the popularity of NewJeans" class="wp-image-854706" srcset="https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/07/11154052/newjeans-popularity-debate-thumbnail-20250711t153154000z-1107253.webp 1200w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/07/11154052/newjeans-popularity-debate-thumbnail-20250711t153154000z-1107253-390x260.webp 390w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/07/11154052/newjeans-popularity-debate-thumbnail-20250711t153154000z-1107253-768x513.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"/>Previous signs of change have also been spotted in the mobile rhythm game Rhythm Hive, operated by DRIMAGE, a gaming subsidiary of HYBE. In the game, Danielle was noticeably removed from the NewJeans group’s visuals, and her related items were no longer visible in the artist lineup or item selection screens.
Previously, ADOR won the first trial in the case seeking confirmation of the validity of members’ exclusivity contracts. Following the ruling, all five members reportedly expressed their intent to return and chose not to appeal. However, Danielle was left out of the return. In an official statement released last December, ADOR confirmed the return of Haerin, Hyein and Hanni, 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 exclusivity contract.
The conflict between ADOR and Danielle has since turned into a legal battle. ADOR filed a lawsuit against her, seeking approximately KRW 43.1 billion in fines and damages, citing violation of the exclusivity contract.
Meanwhile, Danielle began to chart an independent path. He recently opened personal accounts on Instagram and the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu. In a recent live broadcast on SNS, he shared his thoughts, saying that he “fought until the end to stay with the members,” adding that even though there may be moments of anxiety and fear ahead, he will continue to try to find something positive in them. He concluded by expressing his determination, stating that difficult moments are not “impossible,” but simply ones that “require a little more patience.”
Sources: Daum
