Amid swirling controversy, Danielle of NewJeans stepped back into the spotlight on Wednesday (June 18), turning heads in Kyoto, Japan, as she attended a high-profile Omega product launch. Local media captured the idol in a sleek black off-shoulder dress that perfectly complemented her chin-length blonde bob. She appeared as a global ambassador for the Swiss luxury watch brand — a title she has held since 2023.
However, her appearance quickly set the K-pop fandom abuzz. Fans were left wondering: did Danielle defy the court’s orders by participating in the event independently, or was this a rare move made in coordination with her agency, ADOR?
Welcome to Kyoto, the city of secrets. With its layers of culture, tradition and history, there are always hidden surprises waiting to be revealed.#OMEGA#MyLittleSecret pic.twitter.com/dGIJBFhR3e
— OMEGA (@omegawatches) June 18, 2025
Danielle’s appearance at Omega event
In an unexpected development, Danielle was accompanied by ADOR staff during her appearance at Omega’s launch event – marking her first public interaction with the agency since NewJeans began legal proceedings against it. The timing was especially notable, as it came just a day after a Seoul court rejected the group’s appeal against ADOR’s injunction, which restricts the members from conducting independent activities without the agency’s approval.
The court’s latest ruling further strengthens ADOR’s legal position in the intensifying contract dispute. Under the terms of the injunction, NewJeans could be subject to a financial penalty of 1 billion KRW (approximately $730,000 USD) per violation, along with covering legal costs, if they proceed with any unauthorized activities outside the agency’s control.
K-pop fans divided
The appearance quickly sparked debate on X (formerly Twitter). Many Bunnies — fans of NewJeans, now rebranded as NJZ — rallied behind Danielle, insisting she didn’t need ADOR’s backing and that her global fame speaks for itself.
However, others pushed back, arguing that fans were ignoring the reality of the legal situation. Without ADOR’s involvement, they noted, Danielle’s participation could have violated court orders — potentially resulting in a hefty penalty.
Has she come to her senses?
— Michael (@Myke55) June 19, 2025
Nope. There’s no way Danielle will go back to ADOR. She’s just the follow the official schedule made by OMEGA of course ADOR as her agency they need to be there.
— torrealba (@p0rcia) June 19, 2025
Either ADOR/NJ’s involved or Danielle’s gonna have to use her paycheck to pay that ONE BILLION WON fine, dear
💁🏽♀️💁🏽♀️ pic.twitter.com/G4WB4KUkoq— Yoongina 🎀💜🐈⁷ (@Yoonginapuppy2) June 18, 2025
Bunnies are sooooo dumb because why are they cheering that #Danielle have “independent” work even tho Ador already approved it since December and even if it’s independent work she would pay a penalty fee from that bunnies use your brain #DanielleXOMEG
— LJ (@Leonard0437710) June 18, 2025
Articles are coming out saying she had Ador staff with her but it doesn’t matter what’s important is Danielle isn’t “returning” she has obligation through a contract so whatever Ador is spinning that isn’t it.
— 🧝🏾♀️ I STAND WITH NJZ🏎️🏁 🧝🏾♀️ (@morning_star_tw) June 19, 2025
I’ve just read the article about Danielle attending an Omega event with Ador staff… This girl is really… something else (with Han** who is really the worst), she clearly has no shame!
— Leah 𐤀 (@elizabeth_974) June 19, 2025
I just think it’s funny because the fandom thinks omega reached out to Danielle without ador’s consent or approval lol
— jungkookhomie (@MicroArmy02) June 18, 2025
For those who do not know, the dispute between NewJeans and ADOR began in November 2024, when all five members declaring their intention to terminate their contracts with the agency. Now, despite the ongoing legal battle, the group is set to mark its third debut anniversary next month.
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