NewJeans’ Hanni Wins Praise and Criticism with Surprise Instagram Live Singing Session Amid Controversy

On May 5, Hanni of NewJeans (NJZ) captured widespread attention with a surprise Instagram Live performance — singing and playing guitar in a stripped-down, heartfelt session that quickly went viral.

Appearing relaxed and reflective, Hanni delivered covers of songs by Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, and others, explaining that she had been reading touching fan letters and wanted to reconnect through music. The stream was reminiscent of a similar intimate session she held late last year.

The livestream sparked immediate buzz on Korean forums, including a Theqoo post titled “NewJeans Hanni Singing Live on Instagram Right Now”, which garnered over 50,000 views, reflecting the public’s continued fascination with NewJeans amid their turbulent agency dispute.

While many viewers praised the emotional warmth of the performance, others pointed to the ongoing ADOR-HYBE controversy, questioning whether Hanni’s choice to sing — without addressing the scandal — was appropriate.

Reactions to the livestream were sharply divided, as shown by comments across the platform:

• “She sings so well… It’s healing. NewJeans fighting!”
• “Now that we know there are real victims, I can’t support them anymore. I’m very disappointed.”
• “An apology for lying at the National Assembly should come first.”
• “Shameless.”
• “I really don’t want to see her… Start with an apology.”
• “NewJeans hwaiting!”

As the ADOR-HYBE saga continues to unfold, Hanni’s livestream may go down as a moment of sincerity — or selective silence — depending on which side of the public conversation one stands.