Hanni Appears at the Environment and Labor Committee Audit

On October 15th KST, Hanni from the popular K-pop group NewJeans appeared as a witness at the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee audit in Seoul. The audit focused on workplace harassment, and Hanni was called to provide testimony related to an ongoing issue within her label, HYBE. Dressed in casual attire, including jeans, a white shirt, and a knit vest, Hanni entered the National Assembly building in Yeouido with a calm demeanor, drawing significant attention from the media and fans alike.

Upon her arrival, Hanni did not answer any specific questions from the press. However, when asked to say a few words to her fans, she briefly stated, “I don’t need to say anything because my fans already know everything,” before making her way inside. This quiet but confident statement resonated with her loyal fanbase, Bunnies, who have been following the developments closely.

The Incident Leading to Hanni’s Testimony

Hanni’s testimony stems from a workplace harassment controversy within HYBE. During a YouTube live broadcast with her fellow NewJeans members on September 11th, Hanni mentioned an unsettling incident. She recalled a manager from another label under HYBE, Belift Lab, instructing an artist to ignore her. Hanni described this interaction as bullying and indicated that she felt victimized by the situation. This prompted widespread concern and led to a formal complaint being filed with the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

The label in question, Belift Lab, is home to the K-pop group ILLIT. In response to the accusations, Belift Lab conducted an internal review, including checking CCTV footage and interviewing staff and artists. They ultimately stated that the claims of harassment were unfounded, adding more complexity to the situation.

Involvement of the National Assembly and HYBE Leadership

As the controversy gained momentum, the Environment and Labor Committee of the National Assembly called both Hanni and Kim Ju Young, the CEO of ADOR (a subsidiary under HYBE), as witnesses. Kim Ju Young also serves as HYBE’s Chief Human Resources Officer, further tying her to the investigation.

Although witnesses are not legally obligated to attend such hearings, Hanni made the decision to appear voluntarily. She shared her reasons for attending with her fans via Phoning, her fan communication platform, on October 9th. Hanni stated, “I will be attending the National Assembly audit alone. I’m doing this for myself, my members, and Bunnies.”

Public Response

Hanni’s decision to testify has garnered widespread support from both fans and the general public, who admire her courage and willingness to speak up about such a sensitive issue. Fans are particularly moved by her dedication to her group and her fanbase.

The testimony is a significant moment not only for Hanni and NewJeans but also for the ongoing conversation about workplace harassment within the K-pop industry. As the investigation continues, many are waiting to see how the issue will unfold.

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