January 13, 2026 | 06:22 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - On January 12 at 7 p.m. KST, former NewJeans member Danielle Marsh appeared in a 10-minute YouTube livestream to address her departure for the first time. Titled “Dear Bunnies,” the broadcast featured the 20-year-old Korean-Australian singer speaking emotionally to fans, known as Bunnies, switching seamlessly between Korean and English throughout.
The emotional weight of the moment was immediate; Danielle became visibly moved within the opening minutes, tearing up shortly after greeting viewers and asking in Korean, “Why am I already tearing up?”
Throughout the stream, Danielle expressed deep appreciation for the fans, saying that “thank you for waiting” felt insufficient. “Bunnies were always right there,” she added.
Maintaining her signature warmth, she reflected on the bond shared with fans during her time as a K-pop idol. “When I think of Bunnies, the first thing that comes to mind is your eyes—the way we locked eyes onstage, the feeling that our hearts stayed connected even when the music stopped,” she said, according to Teen Vogue. “Those memories are what quietly hold me up now.”
As highlighted by Forbes, Danielle also spoke about finding comfort in fan messages during difficult moments. “Sometimes late at night, I would read the letters and the messages you sent me,” she shared in English. “Not loudly, but just enough. That warmth really lingers for a long time.”
The singer briefly addressed the ongoing legal situation surrounding her exit, explaining that many matters remain unresolved. “Right now, a lot of things are still in the process of being sorted out,” she said, reassuring fans that they wouldn’t be left in the dark as she would share updates when the time comes about “what’s happening, about the lawsuits, and about everything you’re curious about.”
“I can say this for sure. I fought until the very end to be together with the members. And that truth stays with me,” Danielle stated, making it clear that her departure was not a decision taken lightly. She also reaffirmed her affection for her former teammates, sharing, “In a part of my heart, NewJeans will always exist. Each member, with sincerity.”
Towards the end of the broadcast, Danielle assured fans that "this is not the end.” According to CNA, she further noted, “It’s the beginning. The coming days, whether it’s music or silence or small moments, I want to share them beautifully and sincerely.”
NewJeans, a girl group under ADOR, has been embroiled in a high-profile legal dispute with the label since 2024, following the removal of former CEO Min Hee-jin. On December 29, 2025, ADOR announced the termination of Danielle’s exclusive contract, while fellow member Hyein continued her activities with the group.
ADOR stated it had concluded it “would be difficult for Danielle to continue as part of NewJeans or the agency.” The label also accused Danielle’s family of contributing to the conflict, leading the agency to pursue legal action that reportedly includes penalties of approximately 100 billion won.
Read: Get to Know NewJeans: From Career Highlights to Unique Charms of the Members
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