Was NewJeans’ Hanni really ignored by ILLIT? ADOR presents CCTV footage in court

One of the key points of contention was whether ILLIT members had ignored Hanni, as previously rumoured.

The legal battle between NewJeans and ADOR has taken another dramatic turn, with new evidence coming to light regarding alleged tensions between NewJeans and HYBE’s rookie girl group, ILLIT. During a court hearing on March 7, ADOR presented CCTV footage and private message exchanges to refute claims that NewJeans member Hanni was ignored by ILLIT members.

The 50th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court held a hearing regarding ADOR’s injunction request, which aims to retain control over NewJeans while preventing them from terminating their contracts and engaging in independent advertising deals.

One of the key points of contention was whether ILLIT members had ignored Hanni, as previously rumoured. To counter this claim, ADOR submitted CCTV footage showing three ILLIT members bowing deeply to Hanni in a formal greeting. The company argued that this footage directly contradicts the online narrative that tensions existed between the two groups.

Additionally, ADOR presented private messages between CEO Min Hee Jin and Hanni. The company stated that Hanni never used the phrase “ignore them” when discussing the situation. Instead, she mentioned that she might not have recognised them clearly and could have unintentionally walked past them.

ADOR further alleged that Min Hee Jin had manipulated the situation, repeatedly questioning Hanni about whether she was ignored. According to ADOR, Min Hee Jin continuously asked, “Ignore them? Are you saying everyone ignored you?” and even inquired whether a manager instructed them not to acknowledge Hanni. In response, Hanni reportedly expressed uncertainty, stating that she didn’t know.

Newjeans are innocent. Illit are innocent.Hanni never mentioned illit and illit never ignored her, they were just told to by their manager.Neither groups have done anything wrong and both tokkis and gllits need to see that.Stop fighting and realise that HYBE is the enemy

em ily (@lunarwonz) October 10, 2024

everyone calling hanni a liar cuz of that cctv footage but hanni literally said that the group DID greet them but their manager said ignore her afterwards that cctv footage proves nothing pic.twitter.com/S31JSUId4J (@khiawings) March 7, 2025

As the court reviewed the CCTV footage and messages, observers noted a subtle reaction from Hanni. She reportedly exchanged a wry smile with fellow member Danielle, sparking further speculation about their thoughts on the case.

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The conflict between NewJeans and ADOR has been ongoing since November 28, 2024, when the group announced their decision to terminate their contracts, rebrand as NJZ, and pursue independent music ventures. ADOR responded by filing an injunction on December 3, 2024, arguing that the group’s contracts remain valid until July 31, 2029. The company is seeking to prevent NewJeans from securing independent brand deals and leaving ADOR’s management.