Danielle, formerly of the K-pop group NewJeans, has launched a YouTube channel, sparking speculation about whether she is preparing for a full-fledged solo career.

On Thursday, she uploaded a video titled “Detour” to her YouTube channel, Danielle Marsh. The clip, which runs just over a minute, marks her first upload since the channel's creation. Appearing on camera with little to no makeup and wearing a hoodie, Danielle flashed a relaxed smile.

“I’m by myself now so this is kind of awkward,” she said in the video, adding that she is currently staying in Australia and admitting that speaking to the camera alone after a long absence felt unfamiliar.

“I really missed where I grew up and, of course, my family,” Danielle continued. “I chose to spend some quality time here.”

She said that since returning to Australia, she has spent time unwinding by swimming at the beach and being with her family.

“I’m really forward to my new adventure of my own,” she said. “I don't know what awaits me, I don't know where I'll be going. All I know is that I’m going on my very first solo trip.”

Danielle said the trip would begin in Brisbane and Cairns.

The video surpassed 1.8 million views within a day of its release and garnered 170,000 likes, underlining the intense public interest in her latest activities. Fans from both Korea and abroad have flooded the comments section with messages of support. Direct-to-fan channels such as YouTube have become a key way for K-pop artists to maintain visibility and audience connection during gaps in group activity or disputes with agencies.

The backdrop to the video is an ongoing legal dispute. In December, ADOR notified Danielle that it was terminating her exclusive contract, stating that it would be difficult for her to continue working as a member of NewJeans. The agency subsequently filed a damages lawsuit seeking approximately 33 billion won (about $24.4 million) against Danielle, one of her family members, and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. The legal dispute remains ongoing. The conflict stems from the wider standoff between NewJeans and ADOR that began when the members sought to leave the label, a case that has drawn close attention across the K-pop industry over how long-term exclusive contracts between agencies and artists are enforced.

Even while NewJeans’ activities were suspended last year, Danielle made occasional public appearances, including at a charity marathon. Last month, she also took part in the China Airlines Half Marathon in Australia, giving fans another glimpse into her life.

Despite the legal battle with ADOR, Danielle has continued to communicate with fans through social media and YouTube. With the release of her first personal video, attention is now focused on what she will do next, and on how the court proceedings with ADOR unfold alongside any solo steps she takes.

This article from Xportsnews was adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.