ADOR is facing strong criticism from NewJeans fans following its birthday post for Hanni, with many fans upset over a change involving a tradition associated with the idol.
Hanni celebrated her 22nd birthday on October 6, and ADOR marked the occasion by continuing the tradition of releasing a birthday-themed playlist.
However, fans quickly noticed that the playlist was placed behind a paid Weverse subscription, unlike Hanni’s previous birthday playlists, which had been freely available to fans.
The decision immediately sparked frustration across social media.
Fans argued that Hanni had previously shared playlists as personal gifts to Bunnies without requiring payment, making the new arrangement particularly disappointing to them.
The controversy comes amid the complicated history between NewJeans and ADOR.
After the group’s prolonged legal dispute with the agency, Hanni remained with ADOR following the court ruling, while Danielle’s contract was later terminated.
In July 2026, NewJeans also returned to the spotlight with official content featuring Hanni, Minji, Haerin, and Hyein.
Fans Criticize ADOR for Putting Hanni’s Birthday Playlist Behind a Paywall
For many fans, the biggest issue was not the birthday post itself but the decision to restrict access to the playlist.
Hanni had built a tradition of sharing special playlists with fans on her birthday.
Because those previous playlists were freely accessible, fans viewed the latest change as a departure from what they had come to expect from the idol.
Social media reactions ranged from disappointment to anger, with some fans accusing ADOR of using Hanni’s birthday as an opportunity to generate additional revenue.
One fan simply called the decision “disgusting,” while others contrasted the current arrangement with Hanni’s earlier birthday posts.
The backlash also highlighted how emotionally significant Hanni’s birthday playlists had become for her fandom.
Rather than being viewed as ordinary promotional content, the playlists were remembered as something Hanni personally shared with Bunnies each year.
The criticism was therefore less about the existence of the playlist and more about fans feeling that a previously free tradition had suddenly become connected to a paid service.
Danielle’s Birthday Post Adds Another Emotional Layer
Amid the criticism surrounding ADOR’s official birthday content, Danielle also drew attention with a personal tribute to Hanni.
On October 5, Danielle posted a photo of Hanni to her Instagram Story at midnight KST, accompanied by the emojis.
The timing and personal nature of the post immediately touched fans, particularly because Danielle is no longer promoting with NewJeans following ADOR’s termination of her contract.
Many fans contrasted Danielle’s simple birthday gesture with ADOR’s official post.
The emotional response demonstrated how strongly fans continue to value the relationships between the members, even amid the group’s complicated circumstances.
The wider situation surrounding NewJeans remains closely watched.
Hanni is currently continuing with ADOR, while the group has appeared in official four-member content featuring Hanni, Minji, Haerin, and Hyein.
Meanwhile, Danielle continues her activities separately after her contract termination.
For now, the birthday playlist controversy has become another flashpoint in the ongoing discussion surrounding ADOR and NewJeans.
What was intended as a birthday-related release instead prompted fans to question why a tradition associated with Hanni had been changed and why access was now tied to a paid Weverse service.
