Earlier, rumors spread that Hanni, a member of NewJeans, was in the Arctic region, and later Hanni herself shared photos confirming her presence there. However, sarcastic speculations quickly began spreading about Hanni “running away” from the embarrassing situation she was put in after Min Hee-jin abandoned the group.
Netizens circulated rumors claiming that Hanni, who is currently in the Arctic region, is suffering from a health crisis. One netizen wrote: “According to people close to NewJeans, Hanni’s health suddenly deteriorated after her trip to Antarctica. She is now with her family, and it is said that her condition is extremely bad.”
Some speculate that this health decline may be related to the pressure she has been facing. Hanni previously appeared at the National Assembly claiming she was ignored by the girl group ILLIT, and that the group’s manager prevented the members from greeting her, before investigations and CCTV footage revealed that ILLIT members did greet her and even bowed to her in the hallway.
It is worth noting that NewJeans lost their legal battle against their agency ADOR, as the court ruled that the contract was valid and that there were no violations that would justify terminating it. While the members announced their intention to appeal, both Hyein and Haerin have officially returned to the agency, while the final status of Danielle, Minji, and Hanni has not yet been revealed, amid unconfirmed reports suggesting that Minji and Danielle are currently in discussions regarding their return.
Meanwhile, the announcement by Min Hee-jin — the former CEO of ADOR and widely known as “NewJeans’ mother” — that she would be establishing her own agency sparked a wave of mockery. Some netizens claim that the members ruined their careers because of her, only for her to abandon them now. Others point to the complicated situation Hanni specifically faces, torn between returning to ADOR after everything that happened — which some view as “humiliating” — and terminating her contract and paying massive penalties that would burden her with significant debt.
From another perspective, many netizens have demanded that Hanni apologize to ILLIT members, accusing her of “lying” and “providing false testimony.” One user wrote: “It’s not just about issuing a public apology — she could be prosecuted for perjury at the National Assembly. She should be grateful no charges have been filed yet.”
Amid strong opposition from LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT fans to the members returning, the South Korean newspaper Munhwa Ilbo reported that there are differing opinions among three NewJeans members regarding how much distance should be maintained between the group and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin.
According to the newspaper, the three members — believed to be Danielle, Hanni, and Minji — want Min Hee-jin to return as the group’s producer. It is claimed that the members are using this condition as part of their terms for returning to the group.
