A new bill, informally dubbed the NewJeans Hanni Law, has been proposed in South Korea’s National Assembly to expand protections for workers under special employment contracts.

The Bill’s Purpose and Background

On November 26, Representative Jeong Hye Kyung of the Progressive Party introduced an amendment to the Labor Standards Act. The proposal aims to prevent workplace harassment, ensuring protection for all workers, regardless of their contractual or employment status. During her announcement at the National Assembly Communication Building, Rep. Jeong highlighted the gaps in current labor laws:

“Everyone is entitled to protection from workplace harassment, regardless of income, employment relationship, or contractual relationship.”

The bill follows controversy surrounding Hanni, a member of NewJeans, who testified about workplace harassment she allegedly faced at HYBE during the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee audit. However, South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor dismissed her case on November 20, ruling that she did not qualify as a “worker” under the current Labor Standards Act.

This decision drew widespread criticism from netizens, amplifying calls for legal reforms.

Proposed Changes in the Law

Rep. Jeong emphasized that the new law is not just for Hanni but for all workers left unprotected under the existing framework. She pointed out that groups such as apartment security workers, often subjected to harassment, are similarly unprotected because their contracts don’t fit traditional employer-employee models.

Key provisions in the proposed amendment include:

• Expanding protections to workers under special employment contracts, including artists and freelancers.
• Requiring employers to take measures against harassment by third parties.
• Establishing penalties for both perpetrators and employers who fail to act on harassment complaints.

Broader Implications

If passed, the NewJeans Hanni Law could mark a significant shift in labor protections, addressing longstanding issues for workers in non-traditional employment relationships. The bill seeks to ensure that all labor providers, regardless of industry, are shielded from workplace bullying and harassment.

For now, the proposal has sparked national conversations about labor reform, fueled by the high-profile case of Hanni and the growing awareness of unaddressed workplace injustices.

Source: Women News