ADOR has released CCTV footage and KakaoTalk messages to challenge Hanni’s claims of being ignored by ILLIT’s manager. The company presented this evidence during a court hearing between ADOR and NJZ on March 7 KST.
Background of the ‘Ignore Her’ Incident
The situation, known as the “ignore her” incident, reportedly occurred on May 27, 2024, at the HYBE Labels building. Hanni stated that as she encountered members of ILLIT, ILLIT’s manager instructed the group to “ignore her (Hanni)” just before they were about to cross paths. Hanni took issue with this, describing it as workplace harassment. This event was even brought up during a National Assembly audit session in October of the previous year, where Hanni appeared to speak about it as a witness.
ADOR’s Counter Evidence: CCTV Footage
To counter Hanni’s account, ADOR presented CCTV footage as new evidence during a recent court hearing held on March 7 KST, focusing on the ADOR versus NJZ situation. Following the hearing, ADOR also shared this footage with the media. According to ADOR’s statement accompanying the footage:
We have confirmed that 3 ILLIT members bowed 90 degrees to Hanni in the hallway.
This footage is ADOR’s attempt to demonstrate that contrary to Hanni’s claims of being ignored, ILLIT members did acknowledge and greet her respectfully.
KakaoTalk Messages Unveiled by ADOR
In addition to the CCTV evidence, ADOR also revealed KakaoTalk messages purportedly exchanged between Hanni and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin from the previous year. ADOR argues that these messages indicate Hanni’s initial stance was to downplay the incident and that Min Hee Jin was the one who escalated it.
kakaotalk massage between min hee jin and hanni
The released KakaoTalk message excerpts include:
Hanni: I was in the fourth floor hallway, practicing by the elevator room!
Hanni: From there, 3 ILLIT members and a manager came out so I greeted them!!
Hanni: All 4 of them went into the styling room, and I stayed in the hallway!
Hanni: It was almost time to leave so
Hanni: But then… about 5-10 minutes later??..
Hanni: The 4 of them came out of the styling room. I heard them opening the door. And then the manager with them
Hanni: I heard them say just ignore her and walk past her.
Hanni: I can’t remember if those were the exact words but that was the general message.
Hanni: And then when they walked past me, the manager literally did not look at me. One of the members seemed unsure what to do and kept looking at the manager, responding, ‘Yes yes!’…
Min Hee Jin: At what point did you notice something off?
Hanni: When the manager said to ‘ignore her’…
Min Hee Jin: Ignore her
Min Hee Jin: That?
Hanni: It was just like… there’s no need to go that far
Hanni: But when I heard the manager say that, it really got to me personally
Min Hee Jin: They said that loud enough for you to hear it?
Min Hee Jin: Did all 4 of them ignore you?
Hanni: Yes… They said it while coming out from the door
Min Hee Jin: Did the ILLIT members ignore you?
Min Hee Jin: When you greeted them?
Min Hee Jin: The manager told them to not respond to your greeting?
Hanni: One member kind of half bowed and avoided my eyes, and the last member did bow, but they seemed anxious
Hanni: (In response to ‘The manager told them to not respond to your greeting?’) I’m not sure
Hanni: I definitely bowed to them!!
Hanni: See I totally understand why the girls would be uncomfortable and awkward when they see us because there’s been so much rivalry between our teams in the media and inside the company so I fully get that
Hanni: I wouldn’t say I felt offended.. Honestly more baffled
Hanni: It once again reminded me, wow, we are really in a company with these nice people
Hanni: But I’m not even bothered by them
Hanni: If you’re worried that this is bothering me, no need to worry!!
These messages reveal Hanni’s detailed account of the event to Min Hee Jin, including her feelings and observations at the time.
Hanni’s Reaction on Social Media
Following ADOR’s release of this “evidence” on March 7, Hanni reportedly responded with frustration via her Instagram Story. While the specifics of her Instagram Story were not detailed in the provided source, it indicates her reaction to ADOR’s public disclosure of the CCTV footage and KakaoTalk messages.
This recent release by ADOR adds another layer to the ongoing narrative surrounding the relationship between NewJeans, ILLIT, and ADOR, particularly concerning the alleged “ignore her” incident. The presentation of CCTV footage and private messages is a significant move in this evolving situation, and it remains to be seen how all parties involved and the public will further respond to these disclosures.
