Danielle was seen continuing her charitable activities with quiet determination on the very day she was officially removed from NewJeans. On December 29, she participated in the 186th “Raising Korea’s Temperature by One Degree” coal briquette volunteer event alongside entertainer Sean, drawing attention for her composed actions amid major personal upheaval.
The volunteer appearance came on the same day ADOR publicly announced that it had notified Danielle of the termination of her exclusive contract. In its statement, ADOR said it had concluded that it would be difficult to continue working with Danielle as a NewJeans member and artist under the label, confirming that the contract termination notice had been delivered that day. The agency also stated that it plans to pursue legal responsibility against former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin and a member of Danielle’s family, whom it identified as having played a significant role in triggering the dispute and delaying NewJeans’ return.
Despite the gravity of the announcement, Danielle quietly joined the volunteer effort without drawing attention to herself. A fellow volunteer later shared that Danielle worked tirelessly for nearly two hours, describing her as a reliable and energetic team member. According to the volunteer, Danielle showed no outward signs of distress, adding that they had no idea she had received such difficult news earlier that day.
Witnesses also noted that Danielle maintained a warm and positive attitude throughout the event, personally handing out cookies and chocolates to other volunteers and kindly accommodating photo and autograph requests. Her calm demeanor stood in stark contrast to the intense controversy surrounding her situation.
On the same day, ADOR reportedly prepared to file lawsuits seeking penalty fees and damages against Danielle, with some legal experts estimating that potential penalty claims could reach as high as 100 billion won. As a result, public attention remains focused on the legal battle expected to unfold between the two sides.
Previously, Danielle was spotted engaging in coal briquette delivery volunteer work — a traditional Korean wintertime effort to help low-income households stay warm.
Photos shared anonymously on X (formerly Twitter) by a user named @cakedegg captured Danielle wearing modest, casual clothes, gloves, and a beanie, blending in among other volunteers as she quietly carried stacks of coal up steep stairs.
Danielle was seen personally hauling heavy coal briquettes on her back, even climbing steep alleyways commonly found in Korea’s daldongnes — hillside neighborhoods often home to the elderly and underprivileged. These areas typically lack modern heating systems, relying on coal briquettes for warmth during the harsh winter.
What moved fans even more was that the event was not promoted or covered by media, leading many to believe Danielle participated out of pure personal goodwill rather than through a company-planned schedule.
The discovery of her quiet act of kindness went viral, prompting waves of admiration. Phrases like “people’s princess”, “pure-hearted angel”, and “role model behavior” began trending across fan communities.
“She didn’t do it for the camera. She did it because she wanted to help. That’s the kind of person she is,” one fan wrote.
Sources: Koreaboo, Nate
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