NewJeans member Hanni held a surprise Instagram Live on May 5, 2025, captivating fans with an acoustic performance. The emotional session, filled with covers of songs by artists like Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift, quickly gained traction online. However, her silence on the ongoing NewJeans-ADOR conflict drew mixed reactions. Some fans praised her sincerity, while others, including ILLIT supporters, criticized her, demanding an apology over past claims. The livestream has intensified debates about the group’s legal battles and public image.
250505 mhdhh_friends 인스타 라이브 플레이리스트 with 기타 #하니#Hanni
0:00 Billie Eilish – TV 4:04 UMI – Butterfly 6:48 Gracie Abrams – I Knew It, I Know You 10:35 Sabrina Carpenter – Opposite 13:57 Bruno Major – The Most Beautiful Thing 16:52 Wasia Project – Takes Me Back… pic.twitter.com/XumYF99j00
Hanni’s performance was a spontaneous gesture inspired by fan letters. Sitting in a simple setting with her guitar, she sang with a calm, heartfelt tone. She explained that the letters moved her to connect with fans through music. The livestream, reminiscent of a similar session last year, showcased her vocal talent and emotional depth. It quickly trended on Korean platforms like Theqoo, amassing over 50,000 views.
Many fans admired Hanni’s vulnerability during the livestream. They saw it as a comforting moment amid NewJeans’ turbulent situation with ADOR. Supporters flooded social media with praise, calling her performance a genuine expression of gratitude. The session reminded fans of her ability to forge emotional connections. For some, it was a beacon of hope during uncertain times.
However, not all reactions were positive. Critics argued Hanni’s decision to avoid mentioning the ADOR conflict was evasive. The legal dispute, involving NewJeans’ attempt to terminate their contract with ADOR, has placed the group under intense scrutiny. Some netizens felt her silence ignored the gravity of the situation. They questioned whether the performance was strategically timed to shift focus.
The controversy deepened due to tensions with ILLIT fans. NewJeans previously claimed ILLIT members ignored Hanni at HYBE’s building on May 27, 2024, allegedly on their manager’s orders. ILLIT’s agency, BELIFT LAB, denied this, presenting CCTV footage showing ILLIT members bowing to Hanni. The court later ruled the claims were “not sufficiently proven.”
ILLIT fans have since demanded an apology from Hanni, accusing her of spreading false claims. During the livestream, comments surfaced online, reflecting their frustration:
“Shouldn’t she apologize first?” “So shameless, lol. No wonder she was good at lying too.” “She should apologize to ILLIT.” “Start with an apology, and then we’ll see who the real villain is.”
These reactions highlight the divide among K-pop fans. Some believe Hanni’s allegations caused unwarranted harm to ILLIT, a rookie group under HYBE. Others argue she was targeting the manager, not the members, and that BELIFT LAB escalated the issue by naming ILLIT. The controversy has fueled heated debates on platforms like X.
The NewJeans-ADOR conflict began in April 2024, when HYBE audited ADOR over former CEO Min Hee Jin’s alleged plans to take control of the label. Min denied the claims, accusing HYBE of copying NewJeans’ style for ILLIT. NewJeans, siding with Min, demanded her reinstatement during a YouTube livestream in September 2024. They also raised concerns about workplace harassment, including the “ignore her” incident.
Hanni’s claims gained attention when she testified at a National Assembly audit on October 15, 2024. She alleged a HYBE manager instructed another group to ignore her, calling it workplace bullying. However, she mistakenly cited May 28, 2024, as the date, causing timeline confusion. ADOR clarified the incident occurred on May 27 and released CCTV footage showing ILLIT greeting Hanni.
The court ruling on March 7, 2025, favored ADOR, preventing NewJeans from pursuing independent activities as NJZ. Despite this, the group performed at ComplexCon Hong Kong, announcing a hiatus afterward. Hanni’s Instagram Live came amid this legal setback, adding to the public’s scrutiny of her actions.
Some fans defend Hanni, arguing she’s restricted from speaking openly about the conflict. They view her livestream as a sincere attempt to stay connected with supporters. Her emotional delivery and choice of songs resonated with those who see her as caught in a corporate dispute. These fans emphasize her limited control over legal matters.
Critics, however, see the performance as a calculated move. They argue that addressing the ADOR conflict or the ILLIT controversy could have shown accountability. The lack of clarity has left some netizens questioning her intentions. This sentiment is particularly strong among ILLIT fans, who feel their group has been unfairly dragged into the feud.
The “ignore her” incident remains a focal point of contention. ADOR’s evidence, including KakaoTalk messages between Hanni and Min Hee Jin, suggests Hanni initially downplayed the encounter. In the messages, Hanni noted ILLIT members greeted her but mentioned the manager’s comment to “pretend not to notice.” ADOR claims Min exaggerated the issue, while Hanni later expressed frustration over how the evidence was presented in court.
Hanni addressed the court hearing on Instagram Stories, stating, “How can you take one part of a conversation and shift the meaning of it to benefit your point of view when I was the one that wrote that message?” Her comments reflect her belief that ADOR misrepresented her words. Fans supporting her argue she never directly accused ILLIT, only the manager.
The fallout has affected both groups’ public images. ILLIT’s manager, reportedly born in 2001, resigned after the controversy and is undergoing psychological treatment. This has sparked sympathy from some netizens, who criticize the broader impact of idol disputes on staff. Meanwhile, NewJeans’ fans, known as Bunnies, continue to defend Hanni, citing systemic issues within HYBE.
NewJeans’ legal battle with ADOR shows no signs of resolution. The group’s attempt to rebrand as NJZ was halted, and their hiatus has left fans uncertain about their future. Hanni’s livestream, while a moment of connection for some, has amplified tensions with ILLIT’s fandom. The incident underscores the complexities of K-pop rivalries and corporate dynamics.
Public sentiment remains split. On X, some users accuse ILLIT of complicity, claiming members agreed to ignore Hanni. Others defend ILLIT, arguing they followed their manager’s instructions and faced unfair backlash. These posts reflect the polarized nature of the controversy, with no clear consensus.
Hanni’s performance highlighted her musical talent and emotional bond with fans. Yet, the timing and her silence on key issues have kept her in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. The ongoing feud continues to shape perceptions of both NewJeans and ILLIT. As the legal battle unfolds, every move by Hanni and her group will likely face intense scrutiny.
The livestream has become a symbol of the broader conflict. For some, it was a heartfelt gesture; for others, a missed opportunity for transparency. The debate over Hanni’s actions shows how deeply K-pop fans invest in their idols’ narratives. The controversy also highlights the challenges young artists face in navigating corporate disputes. NewJeans’ next steps remain uncertain, but Hanni’s voice, both in song and silence, continues to resonate.
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