Former NewJeans member Danielle has surprised fans by releasing an original song titled “Stay” on the anniversary of the group’s official fandom name, Bunnies. The singer-songwriter shared a short performance video on her personal YouTube channel at midnight on October 29, giving fans new music on a date closely associated with her former group.
Running for 1 minute and 34 seconds, the video features Danielle singing in front of a microphone while wearing headphones. According to the credits, she wrote both the lyrics and music herself. The folk-pop track pairs her understated vocals with acoustic guitar, creating an intimate sound that contrasts with the polished production often associated with K-pop releases. The release has attracted attention not only because it marks a new musical step for Danielle but also because it arrives amid her ongoing legal dispute with former agency ADOR.
Danielle Releases Stay on NewJeans’ Bunnies Day
October 29 holds particular significance for NewJeans fans. The group announced its official fandom name, Bunnies, on October 29, 2022, marking 100 days since its debut. Fans have continued to celebrate the date as Bunnies Day. Danielle chose the same date to share “Stay,” making the release especially notable for listeners who have followed her journey with NewJeans. The timing has prompted discussion about the song’s meaning, although Danielle has not publicly confirmed that it is intended as a message about the group or her departure.
The video itself is simple, placing the focus on Danielle’s voice and the song rather than elaborate visuals or choreography. She performs the track with headphones on, accompanied by a microphone and an acoustic arrangement. For fans accustomed to seeing Danielle perform as part of a five-member group, the solo presentation offers a different perspective on her musical identity. It also gives listeners an opportunity to hear a composition credited entirely to her.
What Is Danielle’s New Song Stay About?
“Stay” is a folk-pop song built around acoustic guitar and Danielle’s soft, restrained vocals. Its English lyrics explore themes of longing, emotional pain, uncertainty and the difficulty of returning to the way things were before. The song includes reflections on trying to cope with pain when nobody reaches out, alongside the recognition that starting over may not restore what has been lost. Other lines express a determination to recover something important despite the challenges involved. These themes have encouraged listeners to interpret the track in the context of Danielle’s recent professional circumstances.
However, the lyrics alone do not establish that the song directly addresses NewJeans, ADOR or any specific person. The production credits also identify Jeong Seok-hun on guitar, while producer Z handled the mixing. Dee Shin, who has worked on music videos for NewJeans songs including “Hype Boy,” “Cookie” and “Supernatural,” participated in editing the video. The involvement of collaborators familiar with NewJeans’ previous music has added another point of interest for fans following Danielle’s next steps.
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Danielle’s Music Release Comes Amid ADOR Legal Dispute
The release of “Stay” comes after ADOR terminated Danielle’s exclusive contract in December 2025. The decision followed a lengthy dispute over the group’s contracts and future activities. In November 2024, NewJeans’ members announced that they considered their exclusive contracts terminated, alleging that ADOR had breached its obligations. The agency disputed their position, and a court ruled in October 2025 that the contracts remained valid.
Following the legal proceedings, the members’ situations diverged. ADOR subsequently terminated Danielle’s contract and filed a lawsuit seeking approximately 33.1 billion won in contractual penalties and damages from Danielle, a family member and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. The dispute remains ongoing. The claims made in the lawsuit have not, by themselves, established liability or determined the final outcome. With Danielle no longer represented by ADOR, the release of “Stay” has also raised questions about her future musical activities. However, one independently released song does not necessarily confirm a full solo debut or a forthcoming album.
Will Stay Mark the Beginning of Danielle’s Solo Career?
Although Danielle has not announced a formal solo album or a broader release schedule alongside “Stay,” the track represents a new public music release following her departure from NewJeans. The song’s stripped-back arrangement allows her vocals and songwriting to take centre stage, presenting a more personal performance than a typical group release. Its themes of change and longing have also given fans plenty to discuss, particularly given the circumstances surrounding her departure.
For now, the confirmed development is the release of the self-written and self-composed track. Any plans for further music, performances or independent activities remain unannounced. The response to “Stay” may offer Danielle an opportunity to reconnect with listeners through her own creative work while her legal situation continues to unfold.
Final Take
Danielle has marked Bunnies Day with the release of “Stay”, a 1-minute-and-34-second folk-pop performance that she wrote and composed herself. Featuring acoustic guitar and English lyrics about longing, pain and the difficulty of starting over, the song has drawn attention amid her ongoing legal dispute with ADOR. While fans have speculated about its personal meaning and what it could signal for her future, Danielle has yet to confirm a wider solo music plan.
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