https://x.com/newjeansstrm/status/2073945975312593237?s=46

This is the official statement received from Hwawoo, Danielle’s legal representative, regarding the court hearing on the 2nd.

○ Immediately following Danielle’s trial on July 2, 2026, some media outlets distorted the facts by mentioning Chinese capital and reporting as if Danielle had entered into a dual contract with an outside company or had concealed such an arrangement.

○ This matter involves a malicious distortion of the normal process—in which a third party officially submitted a proposal to HYBE to sell ADOR’s shares during the NewJeans dispute in 2025—by mixing in false information. Neither Danielle nor any other NewJeans member has ever entered into or attempted to enter into a dual exclusive entertainment contract with any specific company.

○ The claims made by ADOR’s legal counsel on that day, including the aforementioned report, either differ from objective facts or distort and exaggerate the facts of the matter.

○ Danielle’s legal team suspects that ADOR may have exerted influence in the process by which the facts of this case were distorted and disseminated, particularly regarding reports that portray matters involving all NewJeans members as if they were the result of Danielle’s sole, independent actions.

○ The substance of ADOR’s claims is nothing new, and we expect the court to ultimately render an accurate legal judgment based on the evidence.

○ Danielle’s legal team plans to request that the court take necessary measures to firmly address any attempts by ADOR to unduly influence the trial through public opinion.

July 6, 2026

Hwawoo Law Firm (Ltd.) – Danielle’s Legal Team

This photo shoot was epic. 💙🩷💛💚💜

HYBE/ADOR spreading information only they could know to the media finally came in handy today! Because it made me understand the current claim of a supposed "dual contract".

First of all: it was never a contract to begin with. ADOR themselves use the term "전속협약" (exclusive agreement), and NOT "전속계약" (exclusive contract), so they acknowledge it is the legally looser concept of an agreement, but still choose to call it dual contract. Convenient! Does signing this agreement breach the exclusive contract? Let's see...

At this stage I don't think there is a point in denying the existence of this exclusive agreement with AAO, but I do think it would be relevant down the line to explain the purpose of this agreement. Right now I am 90 % certain that it is a conditional agreement.

What do we know about this agreement so far?

• It lasted 9 months, signed in Sept. 2025.
• A clause stating that "AAO was to receive all information relating to NewJeans' activities and ADOR's business operations".
• One unusual provision in that agreement "prohibits the sale, lease, exchange, or transfer of Min Hee-jin's shares in ADOR."

ADOR themselves said "This was not an agreement entered into by Min Hee-jin herself." So, how could AAO even put a clause related to MHJ's shares in ADOR there? Well, in the hypothetical scenario that AAO becomes the majority shareholder, like they proposed to HYBE in Oct. 2025.

Article from February 2026.

>Bonnie Chan Woo is a leading figure in China's popular culture industry. As the CEO of Complex China, he organized the Hong Kong concert. It later emerged that, in October of last year, Bonnie also sent HYBE a proposal to acquire ADOR.
Bonnie is said to have expressed his intention to purchase 80% of ADOR's shares for ₩400 billion. In return, he reportedly attached the condition that 100% of the rights relating to the artists' contracts and overall operations be transferred.
"We held discussions with NewJeans' representatives. They told us that even if they lost the lawsuit over the alleged breach of contract, they had no intention of returning. If we acquire the shares, they plan to immediately resume creative activities, including music production and performances." (Bonnie)

This statement could confirm some kind of conditional agreement with NewJeans: If we acquire the shares, they plan to immediately resume creative activities, including music production and performances. And it seems AAO promised to NewJeans that if the proposal was accepted by HYBE, they would not sell MHJ's shares. This also removes the idea that it is some kind espionage, as AAO would be the hypothetical majority shareholder who receives information on their new subsidiary ADOR.

"If X happens, then Y will occur" is very different to stating "We declare AAO has now exclusive authority to manage NewJeans entertainment activities" (which ADOR has not said in court either about this agreement!) though, so we will see how the court will perceive that. Ironically, it is a bit of a throwback to the shareholders agreement lawsuit ("assuming HYBE's consent...") :)

If NewJeans signed the agreement stating that they would resume activities in the scenario HYBE accepted the proposal and AAO became the majority stakeholder, these two clauses would make sense. Because otherwise AAO has no relation/control of MHJ's shares in ADOR if MHJ did not enter the agreement, AAO can however if they are the majority shareholder (like they proposed). That's how the clauses make most sense to me. I am open to other theories, but I can't see any other context where these clauses make sense. The condition for the clauses to apply would be HYBE accepting the sale of ADOR to AAO, basically.

Is NewJeans signing such an agreement violating the exclusive contract?

Well, the contracting party would have not changed if this agreement were to have materialized, NewJeans would remain under ADOR, just that ADOR would be under a new ownership that HYBE would have consented to. This is the essence of this agreement. And if HYBE does not agree to the proposal, nothing happens, the agreement fizzled out in June, either way HYBE did not accept this proposal.

Edit: No matter how much I think about it - it is SO dumb to insinuate this is a agreement similar to the exclusive contract because if what ADOR says is true then it would mean 1. NJ signs a contract with AAO to become the new exclusive management agency 2. NewJeans has to report the business activities of ADOR to AAO, therefore acknowledging the contract with ADOR. <-- This makes zero sense and would be illegal, the contract could not come into effect as it infringes on another contract. Yet, ADOR is arguing the contract was still in effect until this year. It is definitely not what ADOR makes it be. And I am 100 % certain now, that this agreement is tied to AAO's proposal to HYBE of becoming ADOR's majority shareholder and not the new management agency, like I explained above, and nothing more.

Sorry, it got long. Maybe it clears up some things, though!

Thanks to the full transcript shared by Team Bunnies, here are the key details from the July 2 hearing that weren't covered in news articles or the fan account.

👨‍⚖️ JUDGE'S COMMENTS

1. Judge Accused ADOR of Performing for the Media

The judge questioned whether ADOR's evidence display was for the court or for the reporters. He told them to stop showing private conversations in open court and submit them in writing instead.

2. Judge Asked ADOR to Keep Explanations "Abstract"

When ADOR wanted to display Telegram messages, the judge told them to summarize rather than quote exact words. The judge wanted to protect privacy and prevent media leaks.

3. Judge Suggested Bank Records Instead of Complex Fact-Finding

Regarding the $175,000 EO claim, the judge suggested Danielle could just show her bank records instead of going through a lengthy overseas process. The judge offered a faster, simpler solution suggesting ADOR's claims might not require such complex procedures.

4. Judge Warned About "Anchoring Effect"

The judge warned that if an expert proposes a number first, it could bias everyone's thinking, even if the number is wrong. The judge is aware of psychological bias and wants to avoid being influenced by an arbitrary expert number.

5. Judge Asked: Can an Accountant Evaluate the "Min Hee-jin Effect"?

The judge questioned whether an accountant could quantify how much of NewJeans' success was due to MHJ's creative direction. This is a key issue: ADOR claims lost profits based on past success, but Danielle's side argues that success was tied to MHJ, who was already removed.

6. Judge Asked About "A Year and a Half Off" Promise

The judge noted that three mothers reportedly heard ADOR say the members would get "a year and a half off." If true, this could support Danielle's estoppel defense: ADOR made promises they later broke.

7. Judge Suggested Separating Danielle's Case

The judge said Danielle's case could be resolved separately from the other defendants. The judge wants to resolve Danielle's case quickly rather than wait for the others.

8. Judge on Trial Pace Disagreement

The judge noted that the two sides view the lawsuit from different timelines. Danielle's side sees it as starting in 2024, ADOR sees it as starting recently. This explains why Danielle is pushing for speed and why ADOR keeps asking for more time.

🟪 ADOR'S ARGUMENTS

9. ADOR's Witness Questions Were "Leading Questions"

The judge noted that ADOR's witness questions already contained the answers they wanted. The witness was essentially being told what to say, which weakens their credibility.

10. ADOR's Late Appraisal Application

ADOR submitted its appraisal application two weeks late and it consisted of just four lines. ADOR requested an appraisal to calculate damages but failed to submit it on time with any detail, supporting Danielle's argument that ADOR is delaying.

11. ADOR's "Consulting Fee" Claim - No Name Attached

ADOR claimed MHJ received a $500,000 consulting fee but couldn't definitively name the recipient. ADOR was guessing, they can't prove who actually got paid, weakening their tampering claim.

12. Witness Kim So-hyung Could Not Be Located

ADOR wanted to call the former head of their business team as a witness, but they couldn't even find her. ADOR can't produce their own former employees as witnesses.

13. AAO Contract Termination Still Not Complete

ADOR revealed that the AAO contract termination was still not complete as of June 2026. Months after the contract validity ruling, the matter remained unresolved.

14. ADOR's "Danielle Remained Silent" Claim

ADOR argued that Danielle's silence about the AAO contract made corrective action impossible. ADOR's argument is that corrective action requires voluntary cooperation, not just the agency's guidance.

15. ADOR's Evidence Is Fragmented

ADOR admitted that some parents cooperated while others didn't, so the evidence has been collected piece by piece. ADOR didn't have all the evidence at once, they're still collecting it, which supports Danielle's argument that ADOR is delaying.

16. ADOR's Relative Witness - Identity Not Disclosed

ADOR wanted to call a member's relative as a witness but refused to say who, citing media leaks. Danielle's side argued the application was too vague and shouldn't be allowed. The judge ordered ADOR to submit the identity confidentially.

🟨 DANIELLE'S SIDE ARGUMENTS

17. "Fundamental Premises Have Collapsed"

Danielle's lawyers argued that ADOR can't claim lost profits because the normal conditions (MHJ's leadership and all five members together) no longer existed and ADOR contributed to that collapse. ADOR can't claim damages for something that wasn't going to happen anyway.

18. "We Question What Practical Value There Is"

Danielle's lawyers questioned the value of ADOR's overseas fact-finding requests. They argue these requests are pointless and designed only to delay the trial.

19. "ADOR Knew About Most of These Facts During Prior Lawsuit"

Danielle's lawyers argued that ADOR already knew about most of the activities during the prior lawsuit. ADOR can't claim they only "discovered" these facts after the lawsuit ended.

20. "If Danielle Had Been Given the Same Opportunity"

Danielle's lawyers argued that ADOR helped other members correct issues but never gave Danielle the same chance and terminated her contract immediately. Danielle was treated differently from other members.

21. "ADOR Is Pursuing This for a Different Purpose"

Danielle's lawyers argued that ADOR's real purpose isn't justice, it's to make an example of Danielle and intimidate other artists. This is about control, not contract enforcement.

⚖️ PROCEDURAL DETAILS

22. Deadlines Set by the Judge

July 8/10: Submit appraisal applications

July 13: Judge to recommend an expert

July 23: Appraisal expert examination

September 10: Next hearing

The judge is pushing for a tight schedule despite ADOR's requests for more time.

23. ADOR's Lawyer Complained About Deadlines

ADOR's lawyer complained about deadlines, but the judge gave a firm response: "If they don't submit, there's nothing we can do."

24. 2024 vs. 2026 Revenue Dispute

The two sides disagree on which year's revenue should be used to calculate damages. ADOR wants to use 2026. Danielle's side argues 2024 is the proper reference point.

📋 ADDITIONAL CONTEXT

25. ADOR's Email to Emotional Oranges

ADOR emailed EO and received a response but claimed it "did not reflect the truth." ADOR didn't get the answer they wanted, so they're asking the court to do more fact-finding.

26. ADOR's Claims About Other Brands Not Responding

ADOR said overseas brands wouldn't respond to emails and even the court's formal request wouldn't get a response. ADOR admits they already tried and got nothing, undermining their argument that these requests are necessary.

27. What Evidence Has ADOR Actually Submitted?

ADOR has submitted some evidence (Telegram conversations, audio recordings, AAO contract, EO email correspondence), but key financial proof (bank statements, signed contracts) appears to be missing. ADOR has some evidence, but the most important financial proof is missing.

28. Danielle Performed Almost All Scheduled Activities After Termination

Danielle continued performing almost all scheduled activities after she believed the contract was terminated. She didn't abandon her obligations, contradicting ADOR's claim that she refused to cooperate.

29. The "Mothers Heard 'A Year and a Half Off'" Claim

Three mothers reportedly heard ADOR make this promise. This isn't just a rumor, multiple parents reportedly heard it, strengthening Danielle's estoppel argument.

30. AAO Contract Requires NewJeans to Provide ADOR Management Information

The AAO contract required NewJeans to share internal company information with an external party. This is why ADOR considers it a serious violation.

31. AAO Contract Protected MHJ's Shares

The contract included a provision prohibiting the sale or transfer of MHJ's shares.

32. The "Consulting Fee" Was Hidden in the Members' Contract

The $500,000 consulting fee was deliberately included in the members' contract to avoid legal scrutiny.

33. ADOR Asked the Court to Require Witness Attendance

ADOR requested that witnesses must attend if they don't properly submit a written response. ADOR wants to force witnesses to appear in person possibly because they fear written testimony wouldn't be as favorable.

34. AAO Contract and Bonnie Chan Woo - Key Details

ADOR revealed that Bonnie Chan Woo is the representative of AAO, the Cayman Islands company that signed an exclusive agreement with NewJeans. She is also the organizer of ComplexCon Hong Kong.

The contract was signed on September 25, 2025. After the October 2025 ruling, the returning members requested ADOR's cooperation in terminating it. ADOR initiated the process, but as of June 2026, the termination was still not complete. ADOR mentioned an email from Bonnie Chan regarding the termination, but the exact date of that email is not specified in the transcript.

The AAO contract also included an unusual provision prohibiting the sale or transfer of Min Hee-jin's ADOR shares.

Sources:

English Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HX4MjgMZ803gF0RKx\_JKin8iRPybhdE6SbSyh39q6v4/edit?usp=drivesdk

Korean transcript: https://report.teambunnies.info/courtrecords

A Korean Tokki who attended the July 2 hearing shared a live thread on X with detailed observations.

🟪 ADOR'S ARGUMENTS

🔺️ON EMOTIONAL ORANGES

▫️ ADOR claimed that because some production costs were invested in Emotional Oranges, exclusive entertainment activities had been conducted. This refers to the $175,000 investment ADOR alleges was made for Danielle's involvement with the band.

▫️ The judge asked: "Are you acknowledging that the filming was suspended?" ADOR replied: "I do not acknowledge it."

🔸️[Comparison note: This exchange was NOT reported in news articles. The articles just said ADOR claimed EO had invested $175,000, but didn't mention the judge's skepticism or ADOR's refusal to acknowledge the filming was halted.]

▫️ The judge suggested that instead of continuing with the same claim, ADOR should verify the account details.

🔸️[Comparison note: This detail was NOT in news articles. The fan reported the judge effectively told ADOR: "If you're saying money was spent, go get the actual bank records." The articles didn't mention the judge questioning the evidence this directly.]

▫️ The fan noted: "Elle Omega claimed it too, but since there wasn't really any solid evidence for any of it, I didn't include it."

🔸️[Comparison note: The news articles reported the Omega and Elle Singapore claims as fact, but the fan says there was no solid evidence presented for them. This suggests the articles may have given more weight to these claims than the evidence supported.]

🔺️ON MIN HEE-JIN AND TAMPERING

▫️ ADOR claimed MHJ made contact with Chinese capital to tamper with NewJeans but the fan noted these were things already heard during last year's shareholder agreement trial arguments.

🔸️[Comparison note: This context was NOT in news articles. The articles presented the tampering claims as new evidence, but the fan pointed out they were actually old allegations from the shareholder dispute between HYBE and MHJ and the court ruled it didn't constitute a violation.]

▫️ ADOR moved on to MHJ's tampering claims after the Danielle related arguments seemed to wrap up.

🔺️ON COMPLEXCON AND CONSULTING FEES

▫️ ADOR mentioned a "consulting fee" at ComplexCon and suggested it was money meant for MHJ, effectively claiming tampering.

▫️ The fan commented: "If there was at least a name written, I wouldn't say anything lololol."

🔸️[Comparison note: The news articles reported the $500,000 consulting fee as a specific figure, but the fan suggests ADOR was vague about who actually received it, implying the claim was speculative and not backed by documentation.]

🔺️ON THE TRIAL PACE

▫️ ADOR argued that the trial is being prolonged because Danielle's side refuses to acknowledge everything. ADOR said if Danielle's side identifies which parts they don't acknowledge, they'll refute only those points to expedite the trial.

▫️ ADOR also requested 2-3 months to submit an appraisal application. The judge gave them until July 10.

🔸️[Comparison note: The news articles didn't mention the judge pushing back on ADOR's timeline request or the July 10 deadline.]

🟨 DANIELLE'S SIDE ARGUMENTS

🔺️ON CORRECTIVE MEASURES

▫️ Danielle's lawyers argued: "The plaintiff's side has never once given Danielle an opportunity to rectify the situation."

▫️ "They sent a registered mail and immediately terminated the contract right after. It seems like from the beginning, only Danielle was the one determined to terminate the contract."

🔸️[Comparison note: The news articles mentioned Danielle's side argued she was "never given a chance," but the fan provides a more specific quote about the registered mail and immediate termination, suggesting the articles summarized this argument more vaguely.]

🔺️ON SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT AND ESTOPPEL

▫️ Danielle's side argued that AAO related matters and everything before the union establishment were done together by all members.

▫️ They claimed that EO, Elle and Omega were all known to ADOR from previous incidents.

🔸️[Comparison note: The news articles mentioned Danielle's side argued ADOR already knew about these facts, but the fan adds the specific detail that members have never performed under the NewJeans name, always using NJZ, which ADOR acknowledged. This wasn't reported in articles.]

▫️ Danielle's side argued that saying only Danielle has a "significant reason for termination" is a violation of estoppel in the lawsuit and a breach of ADOR's own intent.

🔺️ON THE "PRINCIPLE OF GOOD FAITH"

▫️ Danielle's lawyers argued that ADOR violated the principle of good faith (Article 2 of the Civil Act), exercising rights in a way that disregards the other party's trust and legitimate interests.

▫️ They pointed out: "You left on your own accord, and when you said it wasn't the court's decision, you came back. You said in the past that you'd forgive me if I came back. But now you're claiming I said I wanted to come back, this is the typical attitude of someone who's in the wrong."

🔸️[Comparison note: The news articles mentioned the good faith argument briefly, but the fan provides a much more detailed quote that directly captures Danielle's side's frustration with ADOR's contradiction.]

👨‍⚖️ JUDGE'S COMMENTS & RULINGS

🔺️ON EVIDENCE DISPLAY

▫️ The judge told ADOR: "I'm confused whether the evidence you've submitted is for the court or for the journalists and the media. I'll only allow citations of evidence for the purpose of explaining to the bench."

🔸️[Comparison note: This was reported in news articles, but the fan provides the exact quote which gives more weight to the judge's skepticism.]

▫️ ADOR's PPT was filled with quoted words from Telegram conversations. Danielle's side requested that the Telegram screens not be displayed. The judge agreed, as this trial involves a celebrity, not a public figure.

▫️ The judge concluded that direct evidentiary content would be mentioned in an "abstracted" manner.

🔺️ON DANIELLE AND HER MOTHER

▫️ The judge told ADOR: "The plaintiff is grouping Danielle and Danielle's mother together in their claims, so I request that the two be separated at the next trial."

🔸️[Comparison note: This was reported in news articles, but the fan's quote is more direct and captures the judge's tone.]

🔺️ON OVERSEAS FACT-FINDING

▫️ The judge suggested both sides email overseas corporations directly to receive responses, rather than going through formal court channels.

▫️ ADOR continued to argue that overseas corporations are unlikely to respond to emails and even a Korean corporation's fact-check request might not be complied with. The judge continued to propose measures to quickly conclude Danielle's case.

🔸️[Comparison note: The news articles mentioned the judge suggested emailing brands, but the fan reports ADOR's continued resistance and the judge's persistence in finding ways to speed up Danielle's case, adding context not in articles.]

🔺️ON THE APPRAISAL REQUEST

▫️ ADOR requested 2-3 months to submit an appraisal application. The judge gave both sides until July 10.

▫️ Danielle's side asked for an earlier deadline (July 8) for the plaintiff only. ADOR said that's not enough time. The judge said: "Both sides do it by 7/10."

▫️ The judge also noted: "I'll draw lots of the emotional witnesses on 7/13. If you don't guide me on the application, what can I do?"

🔸️[Comparison note: The news articles didn't report the specific July 10 deadline or the judge's comment about drawing lots on 7/13. The fan provides a much more detailed picture of the scheduling dispute.]

🔺️ON WITNESS EXAMINATION AND IDENTITY PROTECTION

▫️ ADOR expressed concern that if witnesses are named, they could face cyberbullying. The fan noted: "The plaintiff says the witness is worried about their name being exposed and facing cyberbullying."

▫️ The fan commented: "This sounds like something the plaintiff keeps hearing in all the other Hybe affiliate trials", implying this is a recurring argument used by HYBE's legal teams.

🔸️[Comparison note: This was NOT reported in news articles. The fan revealed ADOR raised concerns about witness identity and cyberbullying, which adds a new dimension to the case not covered by mainstream media.]

▫️ The judge asked ADOR: "Are the witnesses you requested friendly witnesses or hostile witnesses?" ADOR said they are friendly.

▫️ The judge responded: "Then isn't the questionnaire itself the answer? What matters now is objective facts, but there are too many subjective questions in it. Why not just do it as written testimony and only ask about the core disputed issues at the next hearing?"

🔸️[Comparison note: This exchange was NOT in news articles. The judge's suggestion to use written testimony instead of in-person examination suggests skepticism about ADOR's witness strategy.]

▫️ ADOR requested that witness examination be fixed for July 23, with the phrase that they must attend if they don't properly submit a written response.

🔺️ON THE NEXT HEARING

▫️If witness examination is submitted in writing at the next hearing, July 23, there will be no in-person witness examination.

▫️ The next hearing is scheduled for September 10.

📝 ATTENDEE'S OVERALL IMPRESSION

▫️ The fan noted that ADOR hasn't made much proper progress since the last hearing date.

▫️ The judge listened well to all of ADOR's claims and always asked for ADOR's opinion first when scheduling dates.

▫️ However, when Danielle's side requested a quick decision on her case, the judge accommodated it as much as possible.

▫️ The fan concluded: "The judge isn't taking sides with one party but is conducting a fair and common sense trial. If it seems favorable to our side, you can let go of your anxiety by thinking that it's not because someone is taking our side, but because it's truly a situation where we can't help but have the advantage."

🔍 INTERESTING NOTE FROM THE ATTENDEE

▫️ A person claiming to be part of the plaintiff's legal team skipped the line and loudly made "tsk! tch!" clicking sounds every time Danielle's side spoke, so loud it echoed through the courtroom. A court staff member eventually stood right in front of them with a terrifying expression, watching closely the whole time.

📌 Fan's follow-up on community rumors (July 3)

▫️ The fan who attended the hearing later addressed rumors circulating in the community about the "double contract" and "industrial information leak."

▫️ The fan stated that they inquired at both Hwawoo (Danielle's law firm) and Sejong (MHJ's law firm) about these rumors. Both firms confirmed that while the basic facts of the double contract are real, the exaggerated community narratives such as claims of a major criminal conspiracy or information theft are false and pieced together without proper context.

▫️ The fan said the rumors are being distorted into a "patchwork novel" and that it's "utterly ridiculous", telling fans not to worry or stress.

▫️ They also noted that these distortions are only being spread in online communities, not in news articles because publishing a false article could cause legal trouble for media outlets.

📎 Source: https://x.com/leeetokki

The incident with the Illit manager instructing the group to ignore Hanni, and thus engaging in workplace bullying, has been discussed aplenty.

What is less talked about is Illit members' reaction when they are told by the manager to ignore Hanni.

Those are the Kakaotalk messages between Hanni and Min heejin released in court last year, describing the uncomfortable altercation:

---

Chat Log

PM 10:32

1. Hanni: Well... I was just out in the 4th floor hallway practicing some dance moves, you know where the elevator room is?
2. Hanni: There, three ILLIT members and their manager came out, and I greeted them as usual!!
3. Hanni: The four of them went into the styling room while I stayed in the hallway!!
4. Hanni: Since it was almost time to leave

PM 10:33

5. Hanni: But then about 5-10 minutes later...?

PM 10:34

6. Hanni: Those four came out of the styling room again, and I heard the door open, followed by their manager
7. Hanni: saying, Just pretend you don't know her and walk past.

PM 10:35

8. Hanni: I can't remember if those were the exact words, but it was something like that.

PM 10:36 (Partial timestamp visible)

9. Hanni: So when they passed by, the manager completely avoided looking at me, and one member just looked towards the manager while saying something like "Yes yes...I'll just pretend I don't know her"

PM 10:36

10. MHJ: While you were greeting them?
11. MHJ: Was the manager telling them not to accept your greeting
12. MHJ: ?
13. Hanni: "Another one gave an awkward greeting while avoiding my eyes, and the last one did greet me but seemed very hesitant"
14. Hanni [Reply to “Was the manager telling them not to accept your greeting”]: I'm not sure
15. Hanni: Of course I did (greet them)!! I did!!

PM 10:37

16. MHJ: [unknown - chat bubble cropped out]
17. Hanni [Reply to: "But what's the part you're most certain about?"]: That the manager said those words…
18. MHJ: “Ignore her”
19. MHJ: This?
20. Hanni: Well...there's really no need for us to be like this with each other

PM 10:38

21. Hanni: Personally, it felt weird when the manager said something like that

PM 10:39

22. MHJ: The words were said loud enough to hear
23. MHJ: Then everyone ignored you?
24. Hanni: Yes... That's what they said as they were coming out after I heard the door open
25. MHJ: Did all the ILLIT members ignore you?

PM 11:04

26. 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

PM ?? (No Specific Timestamps Visible) - These messages appear to be stitched together in the screenshots with no clear timestamps, making it impossible to determine their exact timing or order: 

27. Hanni: So rather than feeling bad, it was honestly... kind of funny,
28. Hanni: It just made me think once again, 'Ah, we're really working with such great people'

PM 11:18

29. Hanni: I really don't care about them at all
30. Hanni: So if you're worried about that, don't be!

---

Summary:

1, Hanni describes the flow of the conversation between the manager and 3 Illit members as they leave the room

2. The manager gives instructions along the lines of "Just pretend you don't know her and walk past".

2.1. Human memory remembers the substance of a conversation a lot better than the exact verbatim used, it's normal, explaining Hanni's next sentence: "I can't remember if those were the exact words, but it was something like that."

3. Illit members' reactions to the manager's instructions differ:

3.1. 1st member reacts by saying "Yes yes...I'll just pretend I don't know her"
3.2. 2nd member reacts by giving "an awkward greeting while avoiding my eyes"
3.3. 3rd member reacts with a "greet me but seemed very hesitant"

4. Min Heejin is understanding and asks questions, as any sensible adult would.

5. Hanni appears visibly hurt but chooses to stay optimistic, making the best of a bad situation, explaining sentences like "So rather than feeling bad, it was honestly... kind of funny, It just made me think once again, Ah, we're really working with such great people" and "I really don't care about them at all, So if you're worried about that, don't be!"

---

Conclusion:

According to this evidence, it can be understood that at the very least the 1st Illit member agreed and participated in some capacity in Hanni's bullying by saying "Yes yes...I'll just pretend I don't know her".

Furthermore, Illit members' questionable reactions were never mentioned publicly. It appears Hanni, despite feeling wronged, intentionally omitted that information during the Youtube livestream and at the National Assembly to protect Illit members.

Newjeans' law firm Sejong also redacted the most controversial part "Yes yes...I'll just pretend I don't know her" during court proceedings, it was Hybe/Ador that showed that part.

Belift Lab also investigated themselves (?!), and the CCTV footage showing that interaction subsequently mysteriously disappeared.

---

So what do you think? Did Illit bully Hanni?

English isn't my first language. The words and feelings are entirely mine. AI helped me translate.

Min Hee-jin, NewJeans, and a film called Dead Poets Society

I think most of you have seen the image Min Hee-jin posted last August. I wanted to write about the film in that image, in hopes that more people will get to know it. If this has already been discussed in this subreddit (I searched and couldn't find anything), please let me know and I'll delete this.

Only Min Hee-jin knows her true intention behind that post. But as someone who loves that film, I felt something I wanted to share.

The film is called Dead Poets Society.

Because what that film depicts feels, to me, like the relationship between Min Hee-jin and the five members of NewJeans.

The caption she posted alongside the image was this quote: "Medicine, law, business, engineering — these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love — these are what we stay alive for." These are the words of Mr. Keating, the teacher at the heart of the story.

The film follows Mr. Keating, an unconventional and revolutionary teacher, as he arrives at a strict boarding school and begins to connect with his students. Surrounded by resistance and suppression, the students are at first unsure, but gradually they are inspired and changed by him.

Eventually, the students discover that Keating had once founded a secret society called the Dead Poets Society during his own time at the school — named for their practice of reading only the works of classic poets. The students revive it themselves, sharing ideas, inspiring one another, and growing.

I think you can already see where I'm going with this.

To me, this is the relationship between Min Hee-jin and the five members of NewJeans.

Let me quote Mr. Keating — as he shows the students photographs of graduates from long ago:

"They're not that different from you, are they? Same haircuts. Full of hormones, just like you. Invincible, just like you feel. The world is their oyster. They believed they were destined for great things, just like many of you. Their eyes are full of hope, just like you. Did they wait until it was too late to make from their lives even one iota of what they were capable? Because you see, gentlemen, these boys are now fertilizing daffodils. But if you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you. Go on, lean in. Listen, you hear it? Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary."

And another line I can never forget:

"I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way. You see, the world looks very different from up here."

Min Hee-jin and I are the same generation. So I can easily imagine that this film left a mark on her. And I've also thought this:

Maybe she showed this film to the five members of NewJeans.
Whether she did or didn't, I think it's fine either way.
Actually — if they haven't seen it, that might move me even more deeply.

When you reach the end of the film, I think you'll feel many things.
The brilliance of the film itself. And the story of Min Hee-jin and the five members of NewJeans, playing out right now.

It might seem almost too perfect. But life has a way of doing that.
Especially with a group as singular as NewJeans.

I believe the five members of NewJeans chose not to be lemmings. And I think the Bunnies who stand with them — and those of us who aren't Bunnies but love NewJeans from the bottom of our hearts — feel exactly the same way.

I want to end with what I consider the most important line of all.

O Captain! My Captain!

Please, if you haven't seen this film yet, watch it.
I think you'll find something in it — something that matters.

With hope for a bright future for the five members of NewJeans, and for Min Hee-jin.

Yeon from Hearts2Hearts was asked during a fancall if she knew NewJeans' "Ditto" and she immediately started singing it. She is so cute. 😊

Source: https://x.com/i/status/2072076580533174724

Danielle's lawyer shared the official KFTC notification about the investigation into HYBE and ADOR. Some key details from the notice:

1. Case opened: April 30, 2026 (case number 2026 Seo-gyeong 1055)

2. What's being investigated: Abuse of dominant market position and unfair trade practices

3. Complainant's pseudonym: Sagong Seong-mi (since they didn't consent to identity disclosure)

Possible outcomes:

1. If violation found: warnings, corrective orders, fines, or prosecution

2. If no violation: case closed

3. If evidence insufficient or circumstances change (e.g., business closure): investigation suspended

One important note: The KFTC admits investigations can take a long time. They cite difficulties with evidence gathering, legal consultations, fact verification and on-site inspections.

Source: https://m.blog.naver.com/PostView.naver?blogId=peles1&logNo=224331209611&navType=by

A football digital creator recently spotted NewJeans Haerin and Hyein in the US and shared a video online. Looks like they were at a World Cup match or filming something. Always nice to see them out and about. 🐹🐱

Source:

https://x.com/i/status/2071101246623060136

https://x.com/i/status/2070895749391609897

Caught a nice moment from a recent IZNA fan call. Jeemin revealed that Minji reached out to her first since their birthdays are close. Minji's is May 7, Jeemin's is May 8. They exchanged birthday wishes and gifts.

Thought I'd share since we don't get many positive moments these days. 💙🐻

Source: https://x.com/i/status/2069771866529493365

Danielle's attorney, Jeong Jong-chae of Jeongbak Law Firm, posted a follow-up blog explaining the significance of the KFTC launching an investigation into HYBE and ADOR. Here's what he said and why it matters.

1. The KFTC doesn't just investigate anything

The attorney makes a key point: the KFTC launching an investigation is itself a meaningful step. They don't investigate every complaint that comes in. They review the report and supporting documents first and only move forward if they determine there may be grounds for an investigation. That's a preliminary judgment that the complaint has merit, not a guarantee they'll rule against HYBE, but it's not nothing either.

2. This is actually unprecedented

Here's the part that really stands out: since the KFTC introduced the Standard Exclusive Entertainment Agency Contracts in 2009 (after the TVXQ case), there has never been a single case where the KFTC initiated an investigation into an agency's contract termination or penalty claims against an artist, even when those contracts were based on the government's own standard terms. Courts have also almost never ruled in favor of entertainers on penalty claims under these standard contracts.

The attorney's argument was that those standard contracts, created over 15 years ago, are completely out of step with today's K-pop market, which has grown into a massive global industry. By pointing out that the standard contracts have effectively become a "standard that cannot function in reality," he managed to get the KFTC to actually look into it.

3. The gap between "investigation" and "ruling"

The attorney is careful not to overstate things. He notes that just because an investigation has been launched doesn't mean the investigator will ultimately find illegality or recommend action. But he also points out that most complaints don't even get this far, so the fact that this one did is significant.

Source: https://m.blog.naver.com/PostView.naver?blogId=peles1&logNo=224326376378&navType=by

▫️ADOR has filed a series of new requests in court. Based on the filings:

🔸️Request for Danielle's financial transaction records, tax records and payment history

🔸️Fact-finding inquiries submitted to Omega, Elle Singapore, ComplexCon and Emotional Oranges

🔸️Request for an appraisal (likely to calculate damages)

▫️Why is ADOR asking the court for this instead of just emailing the brands?

🔸️At the June 11 hearing, Judge Nam In-soo actually told both sides to just email these companies directly and submit whatever responses they got aa it would be faster than going through formal court channels. The judge specifically said this would save time.

🔸️So why is ADOR going through the court anyway? Probably because they're not getting the answers they want voluntarily. When you request financial records through the court, it becomes a court order and non-compliance has consequences. It's a more forceful way to get information, but it also makes the process longer. ADOR chose the slower, more invasive route despite the judge giving them a faster option.

▫️How serious is this?

🔸️For Danielle: It's invasive. ADOR wants to see her personal financial records, tax history and payment details. It's a way to build their damages case and find evidence they can use against her.

🔸️For ADOR: It signals they're committed to going after her financially. But it also shows they're not just relying on what they already have and they're still digging for more. That suggests their case might not be as airtight as they'd like.

🔸️For the timeline: Going through the court for overseas fact-finding is going to take months. That's exactly what Danielle's side has been warning about. ADOR's tactics are dragging this out.

Source: https://x.com/i/status/2070292603808157863