In an exciting development for both the K-pop and K-drama worlds, Jisung, the youngest member of the global sensation NCT DREAM , is set to make his much-anticipated return to acting.

On January 14, 2026, SM Entertainment officially confirmed that Jisung has been cast in the upcoming second season of the ENA drama “Crash.”

This role marks a significant milestone for the artist, as it is his first professional acting project since debuting as an idol in 2016, effectively bridging his past as a child actor with his current status as a global superstar.

The Success of “Crash” and the New Season

“Crash” is an investigation drama that delves into the high-stakes world of the Traffic Crime Investigation (TCI) team.

The show follows a dedicated group of investigators who pursue criminals on the road, tackling everything from insurance fraud to hit-and-runs.

The first season, which premiered in May 2024, was a massive success for the network, ranking as the third-highest-rated drama in ENA’s history.

With Season 2, fans can expect the return of the original core cast, including seasoned actors Lee Min Ki, Kwak Sun Young, and Heo Sung Tae.

The addition of Jisung to this veteran lineup is expected to bring a fresh energy to the team and draw in a wider international audience through his massive NCT DREAM fan base.

Jisung’s Role: The “Idol of the Traffic Division”

In “Crash” Season 2, Jisung will take on the role of Ji Dae Se, the youngest recruit to join the TCI team.

His character is described as exceptionally tall and handsome, earning him the nickname “the idol of the traffic division” within the story—a playful nod to Jisung’s real-life career.

However, Ji Dae Se is much more than just a pretty face. The character is highly skilled in martial arts, specifically taekwondo and hapkido, which will allow Jisung to showcase his renowned physical agility in intense action sequences.

Despite his confident exterior and physical prowess, the character is written with a layer of complexity, carrying “emotional wounds” that will likely be explored as the series progresses.

This blend of action and vulnerability offers Jisung a perfect opportunity to demonstrate his range as an actor.

A Full-Circle Moment for the Child Star

While many know Jisung as the powerful dancer and sub-vocalist of NCT DREAM, he actually began his journey in the entertainment industry as a child actor.

Before joining SM Entertainment, he appeared in significant projects such as the historical drama Deep Rooted Tree and the film Unbowed.

Because he spent his teenage years focused entirely on his music career, this new role in “Crash” is being viewed as a “re-debut” of sorts in the acting field.

Fans have long awaited his return to the screen, often citing his expressive eyes and natural screen presence as traits that would suit dramatic roles.

By choosing a gritty, action-oriented investigation drama for his adult acting debut, Jisung is signaling a desire to take on challenging, multi-dimensional roles that distance him from his “youngest member” persona.

Industry and Fan Expectations

The anticipation for “Crash” Season 2 is already high, and Jisung’s casting has only added fuel to the fire. Industry insiders are curious to see how his chemistry with veterans like Lee Min Ki will develop on screen.

For the members of NCT DREAM, who have been increasingly branching out into solo activities—including fashion, solo music, and variety—Jisung’s foray into acting represents another successful expansion of the group’s collective brand.

As production begins, the spotlight remains firmly on the “youngest recruit” to see if he can command the screen with the same authority he brings to the stage.

In a striking demonstration of her individual star power, a prominent member of the girl group NewJeans , has seen an unprecedented explosion in her social media presence.

Following the launch of a new personal SNS account, Danielle garnered over 862,000 followers in just three days.

This rapid growth is particularly notable given the backdrop of a highly publicized and ongoing legal battle with her former agency, ADOR.

Her massive following, despite following only one other person—her sister Olivia Marsh—signals a strong wave of public support as she navigates her first steps toward independent activity.

The Live Broadcast: Connecting with Fans

On January 12, 2026, Danielle further engaged her burgeoning audience by holding a surprise live broadcast.

This event was her first direct interaction with fans since she was formally notified of the termination of her exclusive contract with ADOR.

During the stream, Danielle focused on maintaining a warm and sincere dialogue with her supporters, known as “Bunnies,” steering clear of the technicalities surrounding her legal situation.

In anticipation of potential legal scrutiny, Danielle’s legal representatives issued a statement clarifying that the broadcast was intended purely for “sincere communication” and had no connection to the legal dispute.

They emphasized that the content of the livestream should not be used as evidence or interpreted as a formal statement regarding the ongoing lawsuit, attempting to protect the young artist from further litigation while she seeks to maintain her bond with the public.

The surge in Danielle’s popularity comes at a time of extreme tension between the members of NewJeans and their former management.

The conflict originated in November 2024, when the group unilaterally declared their contracts terminated following a period of friction regarding the reinstatement of former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin.

In response, ADOR initiated legal action to confirm the validity of the original contracts and sought to block the members from pursuing solo work.

The situation has since escalated into a high-stakes financial battle. ADOR has filed a substantial lawsuit against Danielle personally, seeking not only the formal termination of her contract but also approximately 43.1 billion KRW (roughly 29.7 million USD) in contractual penalties and damages.

Despite a first-instance ruling that found the exclusive contracts remained valid, the members have continued to push for independence, leading to the current stalemate where solo activities—like Danielle’s new SNS account—are viewed by fans as acts of resilience.

Future Implications and Fan Support

The rapid success of Danielle’s personal account serves as a barometer for the current sentiment of the K-pop community.

While ADOR continues to assert legal ownership over the group’s professional activities, the fans have clearly chosen to follow the individual members.

This massive influx of followers suggests that even if Danielle and her groupmates face significant financial hurdles or restricted industry access, their brand value remains incredibly high.

As 2026 progresses, the industry will be watching closely to see how the court handles the 43 billion KRW claim and whether Danielle can continue her independent growth without further legal repercussions.

For now, her 862,000-strong (and growing) follower count stands as a testament to a performer who is determined to keep her voice heard, regardless of the corporate giants standing in her way.

The “Danielle Effect” proves that in the modern era of music, the connection between an idol and their fans often transcends the contracts they signed at the start of their careers.