NJZ’s Danielle Discusses Monitoring Bathroom Breaks and Meal Logging During Trainee Period at HYBE

Danielle of NJZ Reveals Intense Training Experience Under HYBE

Danielle, a prominent member of the K-pop sensation NJZ (previously known as NewJeans), has recently shed light on the rigorous and often invasive training regimen she and her fellow trainees endured while under the management of HYBE. During a live broadcast on March 16, the 19-year-old artist candidly shared her experiences, offering fans a glimpse into the strict environment that characterized their journey to stardom.

The Rigorous Surveillance and Control

In her revealing discussion, Danielle recounted the extraordinary measures enforced by her management team. She described a culture of continuous monitoring that pervaded their training sessions. Surprisingly, even during supposed breaks, trainees had to message their supervisors before utilizing the restroom. Moreover, meal periods were distinctly regimented. Trainees were required to photograph their meals and send these images to a female manager for verification before they could eat.

“I remember having to take pictures of what I ate before I was actually able to consume it. I had to send pictures to our manager, and she would have to check it, ”she said.

Fear of Repercussions

Danielle expressed that the stringent rules were adhered to strictly out of fear that any noncompliance could jeopardize their prospects of debuting. The pressure to conform created an atmosphere where trainees felt that deviating from the prescribed norms could lead to exclusion from the program.

Support from Former CEO Min Hee-jin

It was not until former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin intervened that Danielle and her NJZ groupmates—including Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein—began to see a shift in their circumstances. Hee-jin provided the support that allowed them to redefine their experience in a more positive light.

Current Legal Challenges

Danielle’s revelations come in the midst of a complex legal situation involving NJZ’s former agency, ADOR. In November 2024, the group terminated its exclusive contract with ADOR, alleging the agency’s failure to meet its obligations. Subsequently, ADOR countered with a lawsuit seeking confirmation of the contract’s validity and filed for injunctions to prevent NJZ from engaging in independent activities. In February 2025, ADOR broadened its claims to restrict all forms of entertainment undertakings from the group, including songwriting, performances, and endorsements, which NJZ’s families argue is an attempt to stifle the group’s career trajectory.

Upcoming Hearing Date

A hearing regarding the legality of the contract is set for April 3, which will be a crucial turning point for NJZ as they navigate their future in the industry.

NJZ Danielle Instagram Live 250316 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GJo_mq6_0k)

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