SEOUL – K-pop girl group NewJeans’ Danielle was spotted at an event in Japan accompanied by staff from her agency Ador, a first since the girl group took legal action against the company.
The 20-year-old Korean-Australian singer was in Kyoto, Japan, on June 18 to attend Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega’s product launch for its new Aqua Terra 30mm collection.
Also at the event were celebrities such as American model Ashley Graham and singer-actress Ariana DeBose, Nigerian singer Tems and British actress Marisa Abela.
Danielle, whose full name is Danielle Marsh, appeared at the event as a global ambassador of the brand, which she has endorsed since 2024.
According to officials quoted by South Korean news outlet Sports Chosun, the event was part of Danielle’s endorsement commitments, which had been planned way in advance by Ador.
NewJeans also comprise Minji, 21; Hanni, 20; Haerin, 19; and Hyein, 17.
The girl group have been in conflict with Ador since November 2024, when the members unilaterally declared they had terminated their contracts with the agency, citing a breach of trust. Since then, the group have attempted to operate independently under the name NJZ.
The Seoul High Court on June 17 rejected an appeal filed by NewJeans, which challenged an
injunction that barred them from independently signing advertising contracts
or pursuing entertainment work without Ador’s prior approval.
The court’s decision upheld a previous ruling in favour of Ador, a label under K-pop conglomerate Hybe, reinforcing its claim that the girl group’s exclusive contracts remain valid.
July marks three years since NewJeans’ debut. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK