If NewJeans Danielle’s Trainee Experience Happened in CA…
By: Angela Jae Chun, Esq. | October 10, 2025
In an Instagram Live (Watch: 6:10-7:45), Danielle from NewJeans opened up about her experience as a trainee in Korea— and as a California employment attorney, I want to break down what she went through as if it happened in California so people can understand their rights.
If Danielle’s story happened in California, a lot of the behavior she references might not hold up legally — especially with minors or young performers in vulnerable positions in the U.S. entertainment industry.
Disclaimer: Just to be clear — In this blog post, I am not referring to Korean law or the companies NewJeans is affiliated with. I’m using Danielle’s public story as an example to explain how similar situations would be seen under California employment law. My goal is to help employees understand their legal protections. Blog posts are for educational or entertainment purposes only, so they are not intended to be legal advice or to create an attorney-client relationship.
Bathroom Restriction: Danielle said she had to leave a message just to use the bathroom — not just during work, but even during her free time.
Legal Analysis: In California, that kind of control could be seen as a violation of basic labor rights. Employers are required to allow reasonable access to restrooms. If an employee has to request permission or gets delayed, that could potentially be seen as a form of unlawful working conditions — especially if it’s persistent or tied to fear of retaliation.
Excessive Surveillance in Practice Room: Danielle also mentioned she was constantly watched and had no real freedom.
Legal Analysis: While being monitored at work is legal, in California there are limits. Constant and excessive surveillance — especially in private or non-work moments — could be seen as invasion of privacy, especially if there was no legitimate business reason or justification.
Food Monitoring: Danielle said she had to take pictures of her food and get it approved by a manager before eating.
Legal Analysis: In California, this type of controlling behavior at work could violate an employee’s personal autonomy. If this control extended beyond work hours, it could violate off-duty conduct protections, under the California Labor Code — which protects employees from punishment for legal activities outside of work.
Fear of Losing Debut Opportunity: Danielle said the only reason she put up with these conditions was because she feared she wouldn't debut otherwise.
Legal Analysis: This speaks to coercion, which is pressuring an employee into accepting poor treatment. If someone is forced to endure unfair working conditions out of fear for losing their job or opportunities, they could have a claim for hostile work environment. And if working conditions became unbearable and the employee was forced to quit, it is called constructive discharge and involves extreme emotional distress.
No one-celebrity or not-should have to endure emotional, mental, or physical mistreatment at work. California law protects employees from harassment, retaliation, and unfair working conditions. Know your rights. You deserve a safe, respectful workplace. If you need help, please contact us for a free consultation.