NewJeans' Hanni opens up about struggles amid dispute with ADOR; sparks mixed reactions

NewJeans member Hanni recently opened up in an emotional BBC interview, shedding light on the struggles she and her fellow members are facing amid their ongoing dispute with their agency, ADOR. Her heartfelt words and visible distress led to mixed reactions from fans and netizens with some sympathizing with her while others questioned her sincerity.
During the interview, which was published on both BBC Korea and the main BBC website, Hanni shared her thoughts on the difficult situation, emphasizing the concern her family in Australia has for her well-being.
“I’m not originally from Korea and I don’t have any family here. My parents and relatives are all in Australia, and they’re extremely worried. I remember my mom calling me one time, and I could hear the sadness in her voice. She felt so bad that we had to experience this,” Hanni revealed, her voice trembling with emotion.
As she continued, she hinted at the possibility that they might have made different choices had they known what was ahead.
“When I think about everything we’ve been through, I can’t help but wonder… if we had known beforehand, maybe we would have chosen a different path,” she said, pausing as emotions took over.
However, despite the hardships, Hanni expressed her belief that time would help them navigate through this challenge.
“Life doesn’t work like that. We can’t change the past. But I feel sorry for my parents, knowing they have to watch me go through this from afar. Still I believe we will overcome this, and I’m putting my trust in time,” she added with determination.
The interview, however, was met with divided opinions. While many fans supported Hanni and expressed concern for her well-being, others criticized her response with some Korean netizens questioning the authenticity of her emotions. Discussions online also brought up the impact of the controversy on other idols, including members of ILLIT, further fueling debate.
The BBC’s coverage of the situation has drawn significant attention, sparking conversations about the pressures young idols face in the K-pop industry. With NewJeans currently on hiatus, the group’s future remains uncertain, but their fans continue to stand by them, hoping for a positive resolution.