Ador Defends Hanni Amid Escalating Dispute with Belift Lab and NewJeans
Sharon Jung / Published November 27, 2024 10:53 PM
Sharon Jung
Hanni, Courtesy of Ador
Ador, the management agency for NewJeans, has formally addressed the ongoing tensions between NewJeans member Hanni and Belift Lab, demanding a public apology from the latter. This marks the agency’s first detailed response to allegations of workplace misconduct, as the controversy continues to intensify.
On Wednesday, Ador released a statement via its official social media channels, directly responding to claims made by Belift Lab, a HYBE subsidiary managing the girl group ILLIT. Belift Lab previously denied allegations of workplace bullying, including a controversial “ignore her” comment allegedly directed at Hanni.
Ador stated, “While we have refrained from public commentary to prevent unnecessary escalation, we find it imperative to clarify our stance as the issue remains unresolved. Belift Lab’s assertions are fundamentally at odds with Hanni’s account.”
The statement emphasized Ador’s unwavering support for Hanni, who reportedly experienced dismissive remarks from a Belift Lab staff member on May 27. “Hanni distinctly remembers comments such as ‘ignore her’ or ‘just pass her by,’” Ador explained. “Expecting a victim to recall every detail of a brief incident imposes an unfair and unreasonable standard. We trust our artist’s recollection and deeply regret the emotional harm caused.”
Ador called on Belift Lab to address the matter with sincerity and respect, adding, “We urge Belift Lab to act responsibly and demonstrate a commitment to resolving this matter constructively. Failing to do so perpetuates unnecessary controversy and affects all parties involved.”
This development comes amid mounting tensions within NewJeans. The group recently issued a legal notice to Ador demanding corrective measures, including rectifying the alleged neglect and undervaluation they claim to have faced. If Ador fails to address their grievances by November 28, the group has indicated its intent to terminate their contract.
NewJeans’ concerns extend beyond the immediate controversy with Belift Lab. The group has cited several grievances, including allegations that HYBE executives suggested “scrapping NewJeans” and undervalued their success in internal discussions. They have also demanded the removal of unauthorized trainee-era photos and videos still circulating publicly and sought assurances that their creative output would not be compromised by internal competition within HYBE’s subsidiaries.
This public confrontation underscores deeper fractures within the agency-artist dynamic. Ador’s statement appears to be a strategic response to one of NewJeans’ key demands, though it remains unclear if this will fully satisfy the group’s broader concerns.
As the November 28 deadline approaches, industry observers are closely watching how this dispute unfolds, recognizing its potential implications for artist management and agency relations within the competitive K-pop industry.
Sayart / Sharon Jung, guhuijeong784@gmail.com
Hanni, Courtesy of Ador
Ador, the management agency for NewJeans, has formally addressed the ongoing tensions between NewJeans member Hanni and Belift Lab, demanding a public apology from the latter. This marks the agency’s first detailed response to allegations of workplace misconduct, as the controversy continues to intensify.
On Wednesday, Ador released a statement via its official social media channels, directly responding to claims made by Belift Lab, a HYBE subsidiary managing the girl group ILLIT. Belift Lab previously denied allegations of workplace bullying, including a controversial “ignore her” comment allegedly directed at Hanni.
Ador stated, “While we have refrained from public commentary to prevent unnecessary escalation, we find it imperative to clarify our stance as the issue remains unresolved. Belift Lab’s assertions are fundamentally at odds with Hanni’s account.”
The statement emphasized Ador’s unwavering support for Hanni, who reportedly experienced dismissive remarks from a Belift Lab staff member on May 27. “Hanni distinctly remembers comments such as ‘ignore her’ or ‘just pass her by,’” Ador explained. “Expecting a victim to recall every detail of a brief incident imposes an unfair and unreasonable standard. We trust our artist’s recollection and deeply regret the emotional harm caused.”
Ador called on Belift Lab to address the matter with sincerity and respect, adding, “We urge Belift Lab to act responsibly and demonstrate a commitment to resolving this matter constructively. Failing to do so perpetuates unnecessary controversy and affects all parties involved.”
This development comes amid mounting tensions within NewJeans. The group recently issued a legal notice to Ador demanding corrective measures, including rectifying the alleged neglect and undervaluation they claim to have faced. If Ador fails to address their grievances by November 28, the group has indicated its intent to terminate their contract.
NewJeans’ concerns extend beyond the immediate controversy with Belift Lab. The group has cited several grievances, including allegations that HYBE executives suggested “scrapping NewJeans” and undervalued their success in internal discussions. They have also demanded the removal of unauthorized trainee-era photos and videos still circulating publicly and sought assurances that their creative output would not be compromised by internal competition within HYBE’s subsidiaries.
This public confrontation underscores deeper fractures within the agency-artist dynamic. Ador’s statement appears to be a strategic response to one of NewJeans’ key demands, though it remains unclear if this will fully satisfy the group’s broader concerns.
As the November 28 deadline approaches, industry observers are closely watching how this dispute unfolds, recognizing its potential implications for artist management and agency relations within the competitive K-pop industry.
