Daniel’s Xiaohongshu Debut: A Calculated Comeback in China After NewJeans Exit? 🌏🔥

The landscape of K-pop’s global reach is constantly shifting, and the latest move by former NewJeans member, Daniel, has certainly sent ripples across the industry. Just days after news of her contract termination from ADOR, the artist has officially opened a Xiaohongshu account, sparking intense speculation about her next career steps and a potential pivot to the lucrative Chinese market.

The announcement of Daniel’s new Xiaohongshu presence, often dubbed “China’s Instagram,” has immediately captured significant attention. While currently featuring no posts, the account soared past 10,000 followers within just 24 hours of its creation, underscoring the enduring interest in the artist among global fans, particularly within the vast Chinese digital sphere.

Further fueling the speculation, Daniel’s older sister and fellow singer, Olivia Marsh, has reportedly followed the new Xiaohongshu account, suggesting a coordinated effort behind this strategic digital expansion. This move follows closely on the heels of Daniel’s personal Instagram account launch on January 12th, where she also hosted a live broadcast. During this broadcast, she openly shared her feelings with fans, stating, “I fought till the end to be with the members. NewJeans is always in a corner of my heart. Even if I’m in a slightly different position, I will support them with the same heart as a Bunnies.”

Meanwhile, the unfolding drama around Daniel’s career trajectory comes amidst a contentious legal battle with her former agency. ADOR, the label behind NewJeans, previously confirmed they had issued a contract termination notice to Daniel, citing difficulties in her continuing as both a NewJeans member and an artist under ADOR. Compounding the situation, ADOR has also initiated a substantial lawsuit, seeking approximately 43.1 billion won (roughly $32 million USD) in penalties and damages against Daniel, a family member, and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, marking a significant legal entanglement for all parties involved.

Key Developments in Daniel’s Recent Moves:

• 📢 January 15, 2026: Daniel opens a Xiaohongshu account, China’s prominent social media platform.
• 📈 The account quickly garners over 10,000 followers within its first day, despite having no posts.
• 🫂 Her sister, singer Olivia Marsh, publicly follows the new account, drawing further attention.
• 🗓️ January 12, 2026: Daniel launched her personal Instagram and held an emotional live broadcast.
• ❤️ During the broadcast, she expressed her unwavering support for NewJeans and their fandom, Bunnies.
• ⚖️ This follows ADOR’s notification of contract termination, citing difficulties for her to continue as a NewJeans member.
• 💸 ADOR has also filed a substantial 43.1 billion won lawsuit for damages against Daniel, a family member, and former CEO Min Hee-jin.

From a cultural historian’s lens, Daniel’s strategic pivot to China’s digital platforms highlights the ever-evolving dynamics of global K-pop careers and the complex pathways artists navigate post-group dissolution. It serves as a potent reminder that while legal battles dominate headlines, artists continue to forge new connections with fans across borders, seeking fresh opportunities in a truly globalized entertainment landscape.

As we monitor these developments, Hello Korea remains committed to bringing you the most insightful analyses of K-pop’s intricate movements and the careers shaping its future.

Editor: Minho Kang 📜