In ber Element

From childhood singalongs to global stages, DANIELLE MARSH of NJZ (formerly NewJeans) opens up on fashion, life beyond the spotlight, and the group's new name change.

- BY ROHAIZATUL AZHAR

If tracks such as “Attention” and “Super Shy” have been on your playlist, then you’re already well acquainted with NewJeans. And as one-fifth of the K-pop powerhouse, Danielle Marsh is a familiar face. But now, the beat is changing. Enter NJZ—a bold rebrand that marks a fresh chapter for the group.

The name-change announcement on Instagram this February sparked excitement, curiosity, and plenty of chatter. It also signals a new beginning, turning a rough period due to a legal dispute with the group’s former record label into something more exciting.

The quintet will make its debut as NJZ at the 2025 edition of the pop culture festival ComplexCon, which takes place in Hong Kong this month. Although details have been kept under wraps, news reports have indicated that the group will also be performing new music—news that has thrilled their fans. Giving a glimpse into how she’s embracing this next era of the group’s journey, Danielle shared in a previous interview: “It feels like a new beginning, and I’m excited for everything ahead.”

It’s a chilly winter morning in Seoul when we arrive on set for our cover shoot. A crew of 20—comprising our photographer, his assistant, lighting technicians, stylist assistants, and production assistants—bustle about, putting the final touches on set.

For a shoot like this, you usually know when the celebrity arrives—if you don’t see them, you hear them. And if you don’t hear them, you spot their entourage. Not so for Danielle. Donning a black beanie and a face mask, she slips into the studio quietly, accompanied by just one assistant. No grand entrance, no unnecessary fuss—just someone arriving to get the job done. She spots her hair and make-up team, exchanges brief greetings, then makes her way to the dressing room with quiet efficiency.