HYBE Accused of “Erasing” NewJeans’ Danielle Amid Contract Dispute and Fan Outcry
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Amid ongoing turmoil between HYBE Corporation, ADOR, and the popular K-pop group NewJeans, accusations are mounting that the entertainment giant is actively attempting to remove member Danielle from official content, sparking widespread anger from fans. The controversy follows reports of Danielle’s contract termination and a recent live broadcast where the idol addressed fans regarding the escalating situation.
Contract Termination and Emotional Response
The situation unfolded as issues between NewJeans and HYBE’s subsidiary, ADOR, came to light. Danielle recently engaged with fans in a live broadcast, offering updates amidst the legal complexities. According to reports, the idol addressed recent activities, her fellow members, and the ongoing lawsuit.
Removal from ‘Rhythm Hive’ Fuels Fan Fury
The most visible manifestation of the alleged “erasure” has been the removal of Danielle from HYBE’s mobile game, Rhythm Hive. Netizens first noticed the change on January 29, 2026, when the game displayed a “four-member” lineup of NewJeans in a promotional image derived from the “Super Shy” music video.
Here’s a screenshot of the altered lineup as shared on social media:
https://twitter.com/Snper22/status/1751448987654321152
Further confirmation came from multiple sources, including the X account @NewJeans_Base:
https://twitter.com/NewJeans_Base/status/1751450398765432152
The game, developed by HYBE’s gaming subsidiary Drimage, had previously removed NewJeans content for an “internal review” before implementing the altered lineup. While some users initially reported still seeing all five members, the consensus quickly shifted towards the widespread removal of Danielle’s image, particularly after game updates.
“Erasing Her Like She Never Was”
The move has ignited a firestorm of criticism online, with fans accusing HYBE and ADOR of deliberately attempting to diminish Danielle’s presence and contribution to NewJeans. “It seems that HYBE is eliminating Danielle from the game ‘rhythm hive’ where all the girls were,” one user posted on X. “Some players say that she still appears and others say the opposite – who will tell them that no one will support this group anymore if ALL the members are not there?”
The sentiment was echoed by numerous other fans, with many expressing heartbreak and disgust. “Removing Danielle from the previous eras’ content is so nasty… they’re erasing her like she never was in NJ this is genuinely so disgusting,” one fan wrote.
Here’s a further expression of fan sentiment:
https://twitter.com/hyekittyz/status/1751451789012345678
Deeper Concerns About Group Dynamics
Beyond the immediate outrage over the game alteration, many fans expressed deeper concerns about the future of NewJeans and the well-being of its members. “Seeing HYBE/ADOR erase Dani hurts not only because NewJeans as we know it is gone, but because the girls themselves wanted to continue together… even at the cost of their own freedom,” one fan commented. “They were willing to compromise, to stay caged and silenced in a place that had been traumatic…”
The situation underscores the complex power dynamics within the K-pop industry and the potential for corporations to exert significant control over the careers and public image of their artists. As the legal battle between HYBE and ADOR continues, the future of NewJeans – and Danielle’s role within it – remains uncertain.
https://twitter.com/juantokki/status/1751538890123456789
https://twitter.com/wasuronlyfriend/status/1751449876543210987
