Danielle from the popular K-pop group NewJeans is at the center of solo career rumors after a photo with American duo Emotional Oranges surfaced online. The now-deleted post hinted at a possible collaboration, but legal issues with her agency ADOR could block the project. Fans are divided over the news, with some excited and others worried about legal consequences.
The photo showed Danielle in a recording studio with Azad Right from Emotional Oranges. It was posted on May 19, 2025, with a caption saying “Just give us some time, guys. It’s coming.” The quick removal of the post raised questions about whether the collaboration breaks any legal rules. NewJeans is currently in a dispute with their agency ADOR over contract terms.
Emotional Oranges previously shared another photo with Danielle and her sister, adding fuel to the collaboration rumors. Fans noticed these connections and started speculating about new music. The duo is known for their R&B and pop style, which would be a different sound from NewJeans’ usual music.
Legal experts point out that NewJeans members face restrictions on solo projects. A court ruling in March 2025 prevents them from working independently without ADOR’s approval. This makes any unauthorized collaboration risky. The timing is especially sensitive as NewJeans continues their legal battle to leave ADOR.
“Honestly, i wanna see the length of how ‘brave’ they truly are. Release that song. Lol. They be really digging their own graves,” wrote one fan on social media. Others defended Danielle, saying she would understand the legal limits. “Wait I love emotional oranges and just recently discovered them, I’m gonna love this,” commented another supporter.
NewJeans rebranded as NJZ after announcing their contract termination with ADOR in November 2024. They claimed mistreatment and contract violations by the agency. ADOR fought back in court, winning an injunction that stops the members from independent activities until the main lawsuit is resolved. The group performed as NJZ at ComplexCon Hong Kong but said they would respect the court’s decision.
The conflict started when ADOR’s former CEO Min Hee-jin was removed by parent company HYBE in August 2024. NewJeans members publicly supported Min, even holding a surprise livestream to demand her return. When that didn’t happen, they moved to end their contracts. ADOR insists the contracts are still valid and has taken legal action to enforce them.
Danielle recently shared her struggles during this difficult period. “Although I’ve had a heavy heart recently, we are all doing our best to prepare for Bunnies, so you don’t have to worry,” she told fans in May 2025. Other members also expressed frustration about the ongoing dispute and its impact on their careers.
The potential collaboration with Emotional Oranges puts Danielle in a tricky position. If the song was recorded without ADOR’s permission, it could lead to more legal problems. The agency has successfully blocked solo advertising deals before and might do the same with music projects. Fans wonder if the deleted post means the project is canceled or just postponed.
NewJeans debuted in 2022 under ADOR and quickly became global stars. Their fresh sound and style earned them collaborations with major brands like Apple and Coca-Cola. The current legal issues have put their future on hold, with no clear resolution in sight. The court will eventually decide if their contract termination was valid or if they must return to ADOR.
Industry experts warn that unauthorized activities could hurt NewJeans’ case in court. The members claim ADOR broke contract terms first, but breaking the court’s injunction might weaken their position. Some fans believe the Emotional Oranges post was a mistake, while others think it was a deliberate test of the legal boundaries.
“She can’t even as a solo. She has a contract and law has stopped all activities till decision is reached. Ignore and don’t give her the attention she wants,” wrote a critical netizen. Supporters argue that artists should have creative freedom regardless of agency disputes. The debate continues online as fans wait for official updates.
Neither Danielle nor Emotional Oranges have confirmed or denied the collaboration rumors. The lack of clear information has led to more speculation. Some think the project might still happen with ADOR’s approval, while others believe it’s already canceled due to legal risks. The music industry is watching closely as this case could affect how agency contracts are enforced in K-pop.
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