A selfie taken by Jeong In Seop, the President of Hwanha Ocean, with NewJeans’ Hanni during a significant state audit has triggered public outrage after revelations about his company’s troubling safety record.

Hanni’s Testimony at the National Assembly

On October 15, Hanni, a member of K-pop sensation NewJeans, appeared as a witness at the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee’s state audit. During her testimony, she shared her experiences regarding idol bullying and workplace harassment within the entertainment industry. This hearing gained considerable attention, not just for Hanni’s revelations but also for the broader discussions surrounding HYBE, her agency, and its treatment of employees.

A Controversial Moment

While Hanni’s testimony was the focal point of the event, a seemingly innocuous moment during the audit quickly escalated into controversy. Jeong In Seop, President of Hwanha Ocean, was photographed taking a “cute” selfie with Hanni, who was seated behind him. The picture, which showed both smiling, quickly went viral on social media.

Backlash Over Insensitivity

As netizens initially reacted to the selfie with amusement, their tone shifted dramatically once they uncovered the serious implications of Jeong’s attendance at the audit. Jeong had been summoned due to a shocking record involving his company, which had reported four fatal worker accidents in the same year. This revelation raised questions about his priorities and appropriateness, particularly in the context of Hanni’s testimony about serious workplace issues.

During the hearing, Kim Tae Sun, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, confronted Jeong directly about the selfie.

Kim Tae Sun: “While people are dying at your company, you’re taking selfies? Are you laughing? It’s not that you can’t take a selfie, but as a representative appearing as a witness, you shouldn’t act like that.”
Jeong In Seop: “I’m sorry.”

Despite Jeong’s apology, netizens condemned his actions as insensitive and indicative of a larger issue regarding corporate responsibility and accountability.

Public Reaction and Commentary

The incident quickly ignited a wave of criticism online, with many expressing their disappointment at Jeong’s behavior. Comments from netizens included:

• “Ah… I’m speechless. I vaguely assumed he was a representative of some worker attending as a witness for another issue…”
• “So immature, unbelievable.”
• “I’ve been watching the hearings, and there have been too many worker deaths…”
• “Even if you don’t know the details, this is just so bizarre, LOL.”
• “What the hell is this?”
• “Does he have no conscience?”

• “What an idiot… how can he think of workers like that?”
• “Thanks to Hani, this came to light. What a disgrace. A worker died, and he’s out there taking photos?”
• “I was just laughing along, but seriously? He showed up for something like this and acted like that?”
• “This company has had four fatal accidents this year alone, and yet the president is out here smiling and taking photos. This is a company that should be punished under the Serious Accidents Act, but it’s ridiculous. I feel sorry for Hani, who unknowingly took a photo with someone like him…”

Others highlighted the disconnect between the gravity of the situation regarding worker safety and Jeong’s casual demeanor during such a serious hearing.

This incident underscores a critical conversation about workplace safety and corporate accountability, especially in the wake of tragedies. As Hanni bravely speaks out about her experiences, the public’s reaction to this selfie serves as a reminder of the pressing issues that need to be addressed within the industry.

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