Who Is Danielle Marsh? The Untold Story of NewJeans' Rising Star

Danielle Marsh has quickly become one of K-pop's most captivating stars since debuting with NewJeans in July 2022. Born on April 11, 2005, in Newcastle, Australia, this talented performer has already co-written the chart-topping single "Attention," which claimed the number one spot on South Korea's Circle Digital Chart and won Best K-pop Song at the 20th Korean Music Awards.

Beyond her musical success with NewJeans, Danielle has showcased her versatility by voicing Ariel in the Korean dub of The Little Mermaid and recording "Part of Your World," which impressively debuted at number two on Billboard's Hot Trending Songs. At just 19 years old, the Australian-Korean idol has additionally secured global ambassador roles with luxury brands including Burberry, Yves Saint Laurent Beauty, and Celine.

Standing at 165 cm tall with an ENFP personality type, Danielle has contributed to NewJeans' historic achievements, including setting records for debut album sales by a K-pop girl group with over 440,000 copies sold in just three days. Despite training for only two years before her debut, she has helped NewJeans become the first Korean artist to enter US Spotify charts with a debut song. This article explores the untold story of Danielle Marsh, from her dual-nationality upbringing to her remarkable rise in the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Family Background

Born into a multicultural family, Danielle June Marsh represents a fascinating blend of Australian and Korean heritage that has shaped her journey toward K-pop stardom. Her story begins in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, where the foundations of her remarkable career were laid.

Danielle Marsh age and birthplace

Danielle June Marsh was born on April 11, 2005, in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. She is currently 19 years old as of 2024, with her zodiac sign being Aries. In Korean, she goes by her birth name Mo Ji-hye (모지혜), which reflects her multicultural background.

Standing at 165 cm (5'5") tall, Danielle's early years were split between two continents, creating a unique foundation for her future career. While many fans know her by her stage name "Danielle," her full name carries the heritage of both her parents' backgrounds.

Danielle Marsh parents and sister

Danielle comes from a loving family with diverse cultural roots. Her father, Andrew Marsh, is Australian, while her mother, Mo Ji-Wong (also spelled as Mo Ji-won in some sources), is Korean. This multicultural union gave Danielle her distinctive background and exposure to both Western and Eastern cultures from an early age.

The NewJeans star is not the only child in her family. She has an older sister named Olivia Marsh, who was born in 2000, making her approximately five years older than Danielle. In keeping with the family's bicultural tradition, Olivia also has a Korean name - Mo Gyu-na. Interestingly, Olivia has also pursued a singing career, making her debut in 2024.

Family has always been central to Danielle's life. In interviews, she has expressed that home for her "is definitely where my heart lies and that's wherever my family is". Nevertheless, her career has meant sacrificing regular time with loved ones. As she once shared, "I miss being able to see my family whenever I want to. What I miss the most are family meals and regular visits with all of my grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, which I can only do once in a while now".

Dual nationality and cultural roots

Danielle holds dual citizenship in both Australia and South Korea, a reflection of her parents' nationalities and her multicultural upbringing. This dual heritage has been instrumental in shaping her identity and career path.

When Danielle was very young—around three or four years old—her family relocated to South Korea. While sources vary on the exact year, most indicate this move happened around 2008-2009. The family settled in Munsan, Paju, South Korea, where Danielle was immersed in Korean culture and language during her formative years.

After spending approximately three years in South Korea, the family returned to Australia. However, Danielle's connection to Korea remained strong. In 2019, she returned to South Korea after successfully passing BigHit's Australian Global Audition, which marked the beginning of her professional journey in the K-pop industry.

Her bicultural background has given Danielle fluency in both English and Korean. She speaks English with a distinctive Australian accent, which has reportedly influenced other NewJeans members. As Danielle herself noted, "I feel like my Aussie-ness is sort of rubbing off on the other members".

Danielle has expressed gratitude for her multicultural upbringing, stating, "I'm so grateful for my childhood in Australia". At the same time, her experiences have taught her that "the people I'm surrounded by are what truly make a place special, regardless of its location".

Childhood in Korea and First TV Appearances

Danielle Marsh's journey in the entertainment industry began much earlier than her NewJeans debut, with her first foray into the spotlight occurring during her childhood years in South Korea. The young star's natural charisma and talent were evident from an early age, setting the foundation for her future success.

Rainbow Kindergarten and My Heart's Crayon

Following the family's move to South Korea around 2008 when Danielle was approximately three years old, she quickly became involved in the entertainment industry under her Korean name, Mo Ji-hye (모지혜). In 2011, at just six years old, Danielle made her first television appearance on two popular children's programs. She became a familiar face on tvN's "Rainbow Kindergarten," where her bright personality captured viewers' attention.

Simultaneously, she appeared on SBS's "My Heart's Crayon," further expanding her presence on Korean television. These early opportunities ignited Danielle's passion for performing, as she demonstrated natural comfort in front of cameras despite her young age.

Her television career continued to flourish throughout 2011-2012, with appearances on additional programs. Notably, she was featured on "Shinhwa Broadcasting" and "Jesse's Play Kitchen" in 2012, demonstrating her growing popularity. Furthermore, Danielle participated in other children's shows including "Hello Yoga Kids" in 2011 and programs like "Popopo", establishing herself as a recognizable child personality in Korean media.

Throughout this period, Danielle attended Munsan Elementary School, balancing her budding entertainment career with her education. Her ability to manage both academics and television appearances at such a young age highlighted her exceptional work ethic and adaptability.

Modeling and early public exposure

Beyond her television appearances, Danielle established herself as a successful child model starting in 2010. She worked professionally in this capacity until age seven, building an impressive portfolio at a remarkably young age. According to some sources, she even won several awards at modeling competitions in 2011, underscoring her natural aptitude for performing.

Danielle's early modeling work extended to numerous advertisements, allowing her to gain widespread recognition among Korean audiences. This early exposure to cameras and public attention undoubtedly contributed to her poise and confidence as a performer. Her popularity during this period was significant enough that she maintained official Fancafe and Twitter accounts, unusual for someone so young but indicative of her growing fanbase.

Throughout her time in Korea, Danielle attended various ballet and acting academies, further developing the skills that would later serve her in her K-pop career. These early training experiences helped refine her natural talents and expose her to different performance disciplines.

Danielle's initial entertainment career came to a pause in 2012 when, at the age of seven, she returned to Australia with her family. Although this marked the end of her first chapter in Korean entertainment, the experience and skills she gained during these formative years would prove invaluable later when she returned to pursue her dreams as a K-pop idol.

This early exposure to the entertainment industry clearly planted the seeds for Danielle's future career, giving her a unique advantage when she eventually returned to South Korea years later to train and debut with NewJeans.

Return to Australia and Artistic Growth

After spending her early childhood in Korea's entertainment industry, Danielle Marsh embarked on a new chapter when her family relocated back to Australia in 2012. This period of her life, though less publicized than her Korean television career, proved equally formative in developing the talents that would eventually make her a standout member of NewJeans.

Schooling and musical theater

In 2012, at the age of seven, Danielle returned to her birth country to continue her education. Following her transfer from Munsan Elementary School in South Korea, she enrolled at Valentine Public School in Australia. Throughout this period, Danielle maintained her connection to performing arts, albeit in a different environment than the Korean television industry.

The young performer's passion for artistic expression found a new outlet in Australia's vibrant school theater scene. Danielle developed a particular affinity for musical theater during her primary school years. Indeed, she participated in numerous school musicals because "she loved them so much". This enthusiasm for performing arts demonstrated that her earlier television experiences in Korea had kindled a genuine passion rather than merely being childhood activities.

Throughout her Australian schooling, Danielle continued to nurture her artistic talents beyond the classroom. Though away from the professional entertainment industry, this period allowed her to explore different aspects of performance in a more traditional educational setting. Her education at Valentine Public School provided a foundation in both academics and arts that complemented her earlier experiences in Korea.

Participation in Matilda and singing competitions

A significant milestone in Danielle's artistic development came in 2016 when she joined the Australian production of "Matilda: The Musical". This participation occurred around the time she was in fifth grade, marking her involvement in a professional-level theatrical production during her primary school years. The internationally acclaimed musical, based on Roald Dahl's beloved novel, gave the young performer valuable experience in a professional theatrical environment.

Moreover, Danielle's talent extended beyond acting to vocal performance. In 2018, she achieved recognition at the Young Artist Festival in Sydney, where she won the audience prize. Her winning performance featured Delta Goodrem's "Sitting On Top of the World", demonstrating both her vocal abilities and her connection to Australian musical culture.

This festival success highlighted Danielle's growing confidence as a performer and vocalist. Even before pursuing a career in K-pop, she was already establishing herself as a talented young artist within Australia's competitive performance scene. This achievement foreshadowed her future success in the music industry, revealing the solid foundation of musical talent that predated her K-pop training.

Danielle's time in Australia represented more than just a return to her birth country—it served as a crucial period of artistic growth and skill development. Through school productions, professional theater experience, and singing competitions, she continued to build upon the performance abilities first showcased during her Korean television appearances. These formative experiences in Australia played an essential role in preparing her for the rigorous training and performance demands she would later face in her journey to become a member of NewJeans.

Training Journey and Becoming a Trainee

The path from talented youngster to K-pop idol required Danielle Marsh to navigate the rigorous South Korean trainee system, a journey that began with a single audition and culminated in her debut with one of the industry's most innovative groups.

Auditioning with 'Best Part'

Danielle's formal entry into the K-pop training system began with a pivotal audition that showcased her vocal abilities. She selected Daniel Caesar's soulful R&B track "Best Part" to demonstrate her talent. This thoughtful choice highlighted her vocal range and emotional delivery, ultimately helping her secure a position as a trainee. Initially, Danielle participated in BigHit's Australian Global Audition in October 2019, marking her first step toward a professional career in K-pop.

Her audition performance proved successful, yet this represented just the beginning of a challenging journey. Danielle would subsequently face the notorious rigor of the K-pop trainee system, which she later described as controlling and restrictive. In fact, she revealed that trainees were "constantly being watched over" and had limited freedom.

Time at YG Entertainment and Def Dance Academy

Prior to joining her eventual debut company, Danielle trained at YG Entertainment—home to BLACKPINK and BIGBANG—during her middle school years. This early training provided valuable experience, henceforth shaping her performance style. Nevertheless, she ultimately left YG Entertainment to explore other opportunities.

Following her departure from YG, Danielle briefly attended Def Dance Academy in Seoul. At this specialized institution, she focused on developing both her vocal abilities and dance skills. This period represented an important transition as she refined her talents outside the major company system.

Joining Source Music and ADOR

In July 2020, at just 15 years old, Danielle passed an audition for Source Music. This milestone began what would become a two-year training period before her eventual debut. The preparation process was intense—she later revealed that trainees had to photograph their meals before eating and send pictures to managers for approval.

Throughout her training, Danielle maintained a disciplined schedule. Specifically, she noted that trainees often felt they couldn't push back against strict rules for fear of being cut from debut lineups. Due to the demanding nature of this schedule, she did not attend regular school during this period.

A significant organizational change occurred in late 2021 when Danielle, alongside her future groupmates, transferred from Source Music to ADOR. This newly established HYBE subsidiary, led by Min Hee-jin as creative director, would ultimately become NewJeans' management company.

The culmination of this training journey arrived in July 2022 with NewJeans' surprise debut through the release of "Attention". This unconventional debut strategy—releasing music with minimal prior promotion—demonstrated ADOR's innovative approach and marked the beginning of Danielle's career as an official K-pop idol.

Debut with NewJeans and Rise to Fame

NewJeans' arrival on the K-pop scene marked a departure from industry norms, with Danielle Marsh playing a significant role in their meteoric rise. Unlike traditional debuts with extensive pre-promotion, the group's introduction happened with minimal fanfare yet maximum impact.

Release of 'Attention' and EP

On July 22, 2022, NewJeans surprised the music world by releasing their debut single "Attention" without prior announcements or teasers. This unconventional strategy generated genuine curiosity among listeners. Surprisingly, just one day later, they released a second single, "Hype Boy," accompanied by individual music videos showcasing each member.

The group's self-titled debut EP "New Jeans" was officially released digitally on August 1, 2022, with physical distribution following on August 8. The four-track collection featured:

"Attention" - Their debut single with R&B influences
"Hype Boy" - An upbeat future bass track
"Cookie" - A pop-R&B song with Jersey club elements
"Hurt" - A mellow R&B track with groovy drums

The EP's reception was extraordinary. Pre-orders exceeded 444,000 copies within just four days, breaking the record for the highest number of stock pre-orders for any Korean girl group debut album in history. Throughout their debut period, NewJeans sold over 262,800 combined copies on the first day alone, shattering the previous record set by Le Sserafim.

Danielle's role in songwriting

Particularly notable is Danielle's contribution as a songwriter for the group's debut single. She co-wrote "Attention," which subsequently topped South Korea's Circle Digital Chart and won Best K-pop Song at the 20th Korean Music Awards. In a September 2022 interview with Billboard, Danielle revealed, "I've always been interested in writing lyrics and composition. Ever since I was little, I loved writing down my thoughts and feelings in a way that sounds good, which is how I tried writing lyrics for 'Attention,' too".

Her creative involvement didn't stop there. Danielle has participated in the songwriting of five NewJeans songs in total. She expanded her artistic contributions by venturing into composition for their later title track "Super Shy," showcasing her growing talents beyond performing.

Impact of NewJeans on K-pop

NewJeans has fundamentally reshaped the K-pop landscape with their distinctive approach. Their music embodies a "newtro" (new retro) aesthetic that recalls the past with a contemporary twist, drawing inspiration from '90s and 2000s sounds. In essence, they've created a unique sonic identity where "every NewJeans song sounds distinctly like a NewJeans song".

Unlike many K-pop groups, NewJeans features "the least processed vocals in all of K-pop", giving prominence to each member's natural voice. Consequently, they achieved the remarkable distinction of becoming the fastest K-pop act ever to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify.

NewJeans' innovation extends beyond music to their visual presentation, with carefully directed styling and polished choreography that complements their sound. Under the guidance of ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, they have pioneered a subtle yet powerful approach that stands apart from K-pop's typically maximalist tendencies.

Voice Acting and The Little Mermaid OST

In May 2023, beyond her activities with NewJeans, Danielle Marsh expanded her artistic portfolio by venturing into voice acting for a major Hollywood production. This unexpected opportunity showcased her versatility as an entertainer and introduced her talents to an entirely new audience.

Voicing Ariel in Korean dub

On May 12, 2023, Walt Disney Company Korea officially announced that Danielle would voice Ariel in the Korean-dubbed version of Disney's live-action film "The Little Mermaid". This revelation came after Disney Korea had previously teased fans with a cryptic poster on May 2, which featured Korean actors Jung Sanghoon and Jung Youngjoo as Sebastian and Ursula respectively, alongside a white silhouette with the caption 'South Korea's Ariel [is]...'.

Fans quickly connected the dots when a snippet of the dubbed teaser trailer circulated online, featuring Danielle's distinctive voice singing the Korean version of "Part of Your World". The snippet amassed millions of views on Twitter within hours, generating significant excitement among both NewJeans followers and Disney enthusiasts.

For the role, Danielle not only provided the speaking voice for Halle Bailey's Ariel but additionally recorded several songs for the film's soundtrack. The Korean version of "Part of Your World" (titled "저곳으로" in Korean) was released on April 26, 2023, alongside Bailey's English version, one week before the film's theatrical release.

Reception of 'Part of Your World'

Danielle's performance as Ariel received overwhelmingly positive reactions after the first screening. Many fans praised her exceptional ability to convey emotions through her voice alone. One admirer noted, "She may not be the best singer out there, but the emotions she can show from her voice alone are one of the best for the role".

Her rendition of "Part of Your World" garnered particular acclaim, with some viewers even suggesting that "in terms of performance and expression" they preferred "her delivery of the English version more than Halle's version they used for the movie". Her performance demonstrated remarkable vocal control, especially visible in her live renditions where she "sustains a brilliant high note".

Billboard chart performance

The impact of Danielle's OST performance transcended mere critical acclaim to achieve significant commercial success. Her version of "Part of Your World" debuted at number two on Billboard's Hot Trending Songs chart, marking a remarkable achievement for the young artist's first solo release outside of NewJeans.

Released on May 17, 2023, the track quickly gained traction on digital platforms. Between May 21-27, 2023, it made an impressive showing on South Korea's Circle Download Chart. This achievement highlighted Danielle's individual star power beyond her group activities and cemented her status as a multifaceted entertainer capable of succeeding across different entertainment mediums.

Global Brand Endorsements and Ambassadorships

Beyond her musical achievements, Danielle Marsh has established herself as a powerful presence in the global fashion industry, securing prestigious partnerships with some of the world's most exclusive luxury brands. Her appealing blend of youthful energy and sophisticated style has made her a coveted ambassador for high-end fashion houses and beauty brands alike.

Burberry, YSL Beauty, and Celine

Danielle's fashion journey began in January 2023 when British luxury fashion house Burberry announced her as one of their global ambassadors. This significant appointment came shortly after Daniel Lee joined as Burberry's Chief Creative Officer, making Danielle one of the first brand ambassadors under his leadership. The partnership highlighted her growing influence beyond music, with ADOR confirming the news via Instagram alongside a photo of Danielle posing with a signature Burberry handbag.

Just two months later, in March 2023, Danielle expanded her portfolio by becoming a global brand ambassador for Yves Saint Laurent Beauty. She appeared in a promotional campaign for their Candy Glaze lipstick, with YSL Beauty describing her as "a rising star and icon of the MZ generation". The announcement generated substantial excitement among NewJeans fans worldwide, with VOGUE Korea praising her as "fresh and chic, pure yet powerful".

In March 2024, Danielle achieved another career milestone by becoming a global brand ambassador for French fashion house Celine. This appointment placed her alongside other K-pop icons including BLACKPINK's Lisa and BTS's V. Her first promotional campaign for Celine launched in May 2024, developed by creative director Hedi Slimane.

Omega and luxury fashion campaigns

Currently, Danielle's most recent partnership came in December 2024 when Swiss luxury watch brand OMEGA welcomed her as their newest ambassador. The brand announced this collaboration through their official social media channels, writing: "Welcome to the OMEGA family. A radiant debut from Danielle Marsh. The New Constellation sparkles with her signature style".

Through her newly launched account @jeanzforfree, Danielle expressed excitement about joining OMEGA, writing: "So excited to be part of the OMEGA family!! Looking forward to our time together". Remarkably, this partnership marked Danielle's third ambassadorship for a high-end brand, following her appointments with Burberry and Celine.

OMEGA President Raynald Aeschlimann explained their choice: "Danielle is full of energy and brightness. We're so inspired by her positivity as well as her confident sense of style". Alongside these luxury partnerships, Danielle has worked with iconic brands like Levi's and McDonald's Korea, further demonstrating her versatile appeal across different market segments.

Personality, Hobbies, and Public Image

Behind the captivating performances and global fame, Danielle Marsh possesses a personality as bright as her career trajectory. Fans and fellow members alike treasure her distinct character traits that have become integral to NewJeans' group dynamic.

Danielle's MBTI and spirit animal

With an ENFP personality type (previously tested as ENFJ), Danielle embodies the quintessential "Campaigner" traits. Her personality type matches perfectly with her vibrant energy that "flows in many directions," making her NewJeans' natural mood-lifter. Undeniably perceptive, fellow members have noticed that "Danielle's eyebrows raise when she's thinking, and once she's got it, they go back down". This thoughtful observation highlights her expressive nature.

Interestingly, Danielle identifies a deer as her spirit animal, reflecting her gentle yet spirited approach to life. Her personality thrives on emotional intelligence and empathy, allowing her to connect deeply with fans across cultural boundaries.

Hobbies like drawing, swimming, and music

Markedly diverse in her interests, Danielle enjoys drawing, painting, listening to music, swimming, and engaging in conversations with fellow members. Her aquatic passion began early—she has been swimming since childhood. Additionally, she considers hugging and composing among her specialties.

Her adventurous spirit extends to outdoor activities including camping, paragliding, and surfing. In fact, she once mentioned wanting "to start a surfing club with Hanni since she loves surfing so much". Musically, she often spontaneously sings songs with lyrics that match particular situations.

Why fans call her the 'sunflower' of NewJeans

Affectionately known as the "sunflower" of NewJeans, Danielle earned this nickname through her consistently positive demeanor. This hashtag (#Sunflower) has become her representative identifier among fans. Typically smiling, she rarely displays anger, instead radiating the warm, uplifting energy associated with her favorite color—yellow.

Group members refer to her as "Vitamin D" (Vitamin Danielle), acknowledging her role as NewJeans' natural energizer. Her optimistic outlook and bright reactions have cemented her reputation as the group's mood-enhancer, bringing sunshine to every performance and interaction.

FAQS

Fans across the globe frequently search for quick answers about their favorite NewJeans member. These frequently asked questions provide essential information about Danielle Marsh that newcomers and longtime admirers alike may find useful.

What is Danielle Marsh's full name? Danielle's full birth name is Danielle June Marsh, while her Korean name is Mo Jihye (모지혜). On stage, she simply goes by Danielle. Her surname Mo comes from the Hampyeong Mo clan, a relatively rare Korean surname with only about 20,000 people sharing it.

What is Danielle Marsh's nationality? Danielle holds dual Korean-Australian nationality. Born to an Australian father (Andrew Marsh) and a Korean mother (Mo Ji-won), she represents both cultures in her identity and career.

How old is Danielle Marsh and when was she born? Born on April 11, 2005, in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, Danielle is currently 19 years old (as of 2024). Her zodiac sign is Aries and her Chinese zodiac sign is the Rooster.

How tall is Danielle Marsh? Danielle stands at 165 cm (5'5") tall.

What are Danielle's representative colors and symbols? Yellow is Danielle's representative color, hence why fans often associate her with sunflowers. Her representative emoji is 🐶, reflecting how her personality resembles a puppy's energetic and friendly nature.

What languages does Danielle speak? Danielle speaks both English and Korean fluently, yet she is somewhat more comfortable with English. Her Australian accent sometimes influences other NewJeans members' English pronunciation.

What challenges did Danielle face as a trainee? Throughout her training period, Danielle experienced strict monitoring. She once revealed having to photograph meals before eating and sending pictures to managers for approval. As she expressed, trainees often feared being cut from debut lineups if they didn't follow rules precisely.

What nicknames does Danielle have? Besides Dani (her preferred nickname), fans call her Mo Dani, Sunflower, Marshmallow Danielle, and Pucca Danielle. Within NewJeans, she's affectionately known as "Vitamin D" for her energizing presence.