NewJeans members Danielle and Hani were spotted together at a charity marathon for children with disabilities in South Korea, in a rare joint public appearance that has delighted fans as the group’s future remains uncertain. Photos from the event began circulating in online communities on November 7, according to Sports Seoul.
In the photos, the two wore comfortable sportswear and posed alongside a child taking part in the event, flashing V signs with relaxed, natural smiles. One fan who took a photo with Danielle at the event described her as kind and friendly, and praised her looks in an account shared online. Fans reacting to the photos said they were glad to see the two together in public in South Korea after a long time, and shared how much they missed seeing updates from the members.
The appearance fits Danielle’s long-running charity work, which has drawn attention in its own right. She has donated about 300 million won to a nonprofit supporting people in need of social protection, including children in welfare facilities, single-parent families, and young people preparing for independent living. In August, she also took part in Korea Habitat’s charity marathon, the “2026 815 Run,” an event marking Liberation Day and supporting housing improvements for descendants of independence activists. She ran the same marathon last year as well, continuing a tradition of giving back through running.
The sighting carries extra weight because NewJeans’ future remains unresolved amid the group’s contract dispute with ADOR. In December last year, the return of Haerin, Hyein, and Hani to ADOR was confirmed, while Minji remains in discussions with the agency. Danielle, by contrast, faces a damages lawsuit from ADOR over an alleged breach of her exclusive contract.
Danielle addressed the situation in a social media livestream on October 12, saying she had fought to the end to stay together with the members. ADOR said in court in October last year that it was preparing a NewJeans comeback, but no concrete schedule for group activities has been announced since.
For fans, the marathon photos offered a rare and hopeful glimpse of two members together in public, a small but meaningful update while the group’s next chapter remains undecided.
