Daniel, Recent Update on Completing a Marathon Amid 'ADOR and a 33 Billion Won Lawsuit'... Bright Smile in Pink Running Gear

[Sports Chosun Reporter Lee Ji-hyun] Former NewJeans member Danielle, who is continuing a contract dispute with Ador, a label under HYBE, has been spotted with a healthy update after taking part in a half marathon held in Australia.

Recently, as the participation record for the '2026 China Airlines Half Marathon' held in Gold Coast, Australia was made public, Danielle competed under her legal name, Danielle Marsh, and her record of completing the 21.0975 km race is spreading mainly through online communities.

According to the record, Danielle posted a Gun Time of 1 hour 49 minutes 13 seconds, placing 3,224th out of 5,387 total participants and 1,003rd among female participants.

Photos from the event released along with the record showed Danielle running in pink running wear with a bright smile. Even in a tough race, her cheerful expression drew fans' attention.

This event is one of the representative races of the Gold Coast Marathon, Australia's flagship international marathon festival, and is an international-scale competition that attracts runners from around the world. Interest was also drawn to the fact that Danielle, who is from Australia, completed the half marathon locally.

In particular, this latest update has drawn even more attention as it comes amid Danielle's fierce legal dispute with Ador.

Earlier, at the third hearing in the damages lawsuit held on the 2nd at the 31st Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court, Ador presented examples of contract violations, claiming that Danielle carried out entertainment activities independently without the company's approval.

Ador cited efforts to collaborate with the U.S. band Emotional Oranges, overseas magazine shoots, and advertising contracts with a global watch brand as examples of independent activity, arguing that "among the NewJeans members, Danielle is the only one who has carried out independent musician activities." It also raised issues such as a dual-contract matter with a Chinese company and the establishment of a separate entertainment agency partnership, stressing that she is responsible for violating the contract.

In response, Danielle's side argued that the Emotional Oranges collaboration was a project that did not generate revenue, and that many of the activities Ador took issue with were matters that applied to all the members rather than to any specific individual. They also stated that "some cases are being exaggerated."

Ador filed a damages lawsuit against Danielle and others late last year, and the amount originally claimed, 43.09 billion won, was recently reduced to 33.09 billion won and submitted to the court.

The paths of the NewJeans members are also diverging. Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein have returned to Ador, while Minji is reportedly discussing whether to return. Danielle, on the other hand, is continuing to respond independently through legal means.

As the courtroom battle continues, Danielle completed the half marathon and gave fans a glimpse of her unchanged, healthy condition.