Who is the 'Antarctic Member' of NewJeans? Hanni Absent from ADOR Meeting, Speculation Mounts
Speculation is mounting over the identity of the 'member who went to Antarctica' after NewJeans members Minji, Hanni, and Danielle reportedly notified ADOR of their return.
According to a report on the 17th, Hanni, who is currently abroad, did not attend the meeting between ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, NewJeans members, and their guardians held on the 11th.
The meeting was reportedly held to discuss conditions and requirements for returning to the agency. Hanni conveyed her intention to be absent due to her overseas stay, leading to the theory that she might be the 'member who went to Antarctica' mentioned by Minji, Hanni, and Danielle when they informed ADOR of their return.
The idea of Hanni being in Antarctica was previously floated on online communities and social media. One netizen claimed to have met Hanni in Ushuaia, Argentina, known as the southernmost city in the world, and received her autograph. The netizen described Hanni as looking happy and having brown hair. While a photo, believed to be Hanni's autograph, was released, its authenticity remains unconfirmed.
On the 12th, ADOR announced that Haerin and Hyein would be returning to the agency and resuming their activities, approximately one year after they declared their intention to terminate their exclusive contracts and about ten days after the court ruled in favor of ADOR.
Just two hours after the official announcement of Haerin and Hyein's return, Minji, Hanni, and Danielle, through their legal representative, stated, "Recently, after careful deliberation, we have decided to return to ADOR. One member is currently in Antarctica, causing a delay in communication. As ADOR has not yet responded, we are making our position known separately. We will continue to meet you with sincere music and performances."
ADOR responded with a cautious stance, stating they were "verifying the facts," and later added, "We are coordinating individual meeting schedules with the members and will do our best to ensure a smooth discussion."
Regarding NewJeans' return to ADOR, former ADOR representative Min Hee-jin stated, "If the members' decision to return was made after careful consideration together, I respect their courage," adding, "NewJeans only exists as five." She also recently conveyed through lawyer Noh Young-hee, "Now that the children are returning, these five must be cherished. While the core issue may be directed at me, please do not involve the children in the process. They must be protected and not exploited."
Netizens reacted to the news with comments like, 'Was Hanni really in Antarctica? That's so her style!', 'If Minji, Hanni, and Danielle return too, does this mean a full five-member comeback?', and 'I hope everything gets resolved quickly so we can see NewJeans' activities.' The responses show a mix of anticipation for NewJeans' future activities and concern about the ongoing situation.