NewJeans member Hani has returned to her agency, Ador, sparking intense debate.
On the 29th, Ador released an official statement regarding the members’ return and contract renewal discussions.
They stated, “After the confirmation of the exclusive contract’s continued validity, we have had many discussions with Minji, Hani, Danielle, and their families.” Hani visited Korea with her family for extensive discussions and, respecting the court’s decision, agreed to continue with Ador.
Minji is also in talks with Ador to broaden mutual understanding.
However, regarding Danielle, Ador stated that they judged continuing as a member of NewJeans and an affiliated artist difficult, and therefore notified an exclusive contract termination today. They added that they intend to hold Danielle’s family member and former representative Min Hee-jin legally accountable for causing this dispute and delay.
Last October, Hani appeared as a witness at the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee audit amidst controversy over workplace harassment.
While waiting in the hallway, Hani reportedly greeted a passing celebrity and manager, only to be told to “ignore it” by the manager. At the audit, Hani said, “I don’t understand why I had to go through this, or why such remarks were made at work. This wasn’t a one-time issue.”
Hani also revealed that she had seen an employee insulting NewJeans, saying, “I am convinced that the company dislikes us.”
Ultimately, Hani’s return to Ador, a subsidiary of Hybe, despite her earlier allegations of workplace harassment, has sharply divided public opinion.
Regarding Hani’s return to Ador—after claiming workplace harassment at the audit—some are questioning, “Why keep Hani at all?”, “It’s uncomfortable because of what she’s shown,” and “The one who should have left stays,” expressing negative sentiments.
Conversely, reactions include, “What happened with Danielle?”, “We’ll never see the complete group again,” “There must be a reason,” and “It’s a shame,” along with some puzzlement.
With Minji’s return still uncertain, attention is on whether NewJeans will come back as a trio or quartet and whether Hani will issue a further statement.
