NewJeans' Hanni Addresses Workplace Harassment at HYBE During Parliamentary Audit: Fans Demand Accountability
 |
| NewJeans' Hanni Addresses Workplace Harassment at HYBE During Parliamentary Audit: Fans Demand Accountability |
Hanni from NewJeans made a significant appearance at a South Korean parliamentary audit on October 15, 2024, shedding light on workplace harassment and bullying within the K-pop industry. The audit focused on addressing workplace issues in the idol industry, where Hanni courageously shared her experiences of being ignored and mistreated by staff from other HYBE labels. These incidents included a manager instructing others to "ignore her," which deeply affected her. Hanni's testimony highlighted how these acts of disregard were not isolated but part of a larger issue of neglect she has faced since debut.
Despite her attempts to raise concerns to ADOR’s CEO Kim Jooyoung, she felt unsupported, stating that no meaningful actions were taken to protect her and her group, NewJeans. This has led Hanni to take matters into her own hands, providing detailed evidence and even challenging the company’s claims that no wrongdoing had occurred. She expressed frustration at the lack of accountability, citing that while CCTV footage was reviewed, it was conveniently missing crucial moments that could confirm her claims. CEO Kim Jooyoung, in her testimony, expressed regret that the footage had expired and that evidence supporting either side was inconclusive.
Hanni’s testimony resonated with netizens, who voiced their support for her bravery. Many praised her for standing up not only for herself but also for her members and other idols who might face similar treatment. Fans took to various platforms to call for justice, with some organizing official complaints against ADOR executives. Bunnies, NewJeans' fanbase, also launched petitions demanding accountability from HYBE, showing their strong backing of Hanni and NewJeans.
This case has ignited discussions about the broader issue of power dynamics within K-pop agencies and the need for better treatment and protections for artists. Many netizens believe that HYBE’s response has been inadequate, and they are calling for more transparency and reforms within the industry to prevent such incidents from happening again. Hanni's heartfelt statement emphasized the importance of mutual respect, leaving a powerful message about how essential it is to address these issues not just through legal frameworks but through humane treatment of one another.
Hanni’s emotional testimony is seen as a landmark moment, as it is rare for K-pop idols to speak out on such sensitive matters. Her courage in addressing workplace harassment on such a public platform has sparked a wave of discussions about artist rights and corporate responsibility within the highly competitive K-pop industry. As the investigation continues, many are watching closely to see how the Ministry of Labor and other involved entities will address the allegations.
Hanni's testimony during the parliamentary audit, her candid reflections on the mistreatment she faced marked an emotional and critical moment in K-pop's ongoing conversation about artist welfare and workplace bullying. She revealed that the neglect she experienced was not only hurtful but also a systemic issue, particularly within HYBE, one of South Korea’s largest entertainment companies. Her detailed account of being instructed to be "ignored" by managers was corroborated by various instances where her greetings to higher-ups were disregarded, a cultural sign of disrespect in Korea.
The situation was compounded when Hanni disclosed additional troubling incidents, including how HYBE's PR team allegedly engaged in reverse viral marketing to undermine NewJeans' success in Japan. Such claims raised questions about internal conflicts within the company, including rumored tensions between HYBE’s Chairman Bang Si Hyuk and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin. These allegations, while not yet fully confirmed, pointed to a deeper issue of corporate politics potentially influencing the treatment of NewJeans.
CEO Kim Jooyoung, also present at the audit, defended her actions by explaining that she had attempted to investigate Hanni’s complaints but was limited by expired CCTV footage and conflicting testimonies from those involved. However, Hanni’s response to Kim's explanation was firm, asserting that more could have been done to protect her and her group. This disconnect between the artist and the executive led to a tense exchange, with Hanni expressing frustration at the company's lack of initiative in resolving the bullying allegations.
Netizens reacted strongly to Hanni's brave stand, with many voicing their outrage at HYBE and ADOR for failing to protect their artists. Online, fans and the general public showed solidarity with Hanni, highlighting that this was not just an isolated incident but part of a broader issue of how idols are treated within the entertainment industry. Supportive comments flooded social media, with many praising Hanni for her courage and calling for justice.
For example, one user wrote, “It’s heartbreaking to see such talented artists being mistreated. Hanni deserves better, and so do all the members of NewJeans. HYBE needs to take accountability.” Another commented, “This isn’t just about Hanni. This is about how K-pop idols are treated as commodities rather than human beings. We need change.”
Fans also organized petitions and social media campaigns to demand better protection for idols, urging HYBE to reform its internal culture and take immediate action against workplace harassment. Some netizens pointed out that this was an opportunity for the government to impose stricter regulations on how entertainment companies treat their employees, including idols under contract.
The ongoing Ministry of Labor investigation into Hanni’s allegations will be crucial in determining the outcome of this case. Regardless of the results, Hanni’s testimony has already sparked significant conversations within the industry. It has become clear that idols, particularly young foreign artists like Hanni, face immense pressure not only from their companies but also from the internal dynamics and hierarchies within K-pop labels.
As more fans rally behind Hanni and NewJeans, it remains to be seen how HYBE and ADOR will respond in the long term. Will they take responsibility and make necessary changes, or will this incident be swept under the rug like so many others in the industry? Only time will tell, but for now, Hanni's boldness has made an indelible mark on the ongoing discourse about artist rights and workplace dignity in K-pop.
Here are some comments by Netizens
"Hanni is so brave for speaking up! This must have been so hard for her, but she did it for the sake of others too. Respect!"
"How can HYBE let this happen? These girls deserve better treatment. Protect Hanni and NewJeans!"
"It’s disgusting to hear how Hanni was ignored and mistreated. I hope HYBE takes responsibility for this mess."
"The fact that she was disrespected so blatantly is shocking. I stand with Hanni. She deserves justice."
"Hanni coming forward and exposing HYBE's poor management is something that needed to happen. I hope more idols feel empowered to do the same."
"NewJeans worked so hard to achieve success, and now we find out they were treated like this? HYBE, we demand answers!"
"This is heartbreaking. Hanni, thank you for standing up against such a huge company. We are with you!"
"How can a manager treat an idol this way? This isn’t just a company issue; it’s a humanity issue. Stay strong, Hanni!"
"It’s shameful that in such a big corporation, people act this way towards their own artists. Hanni deserves respect!"
"We believe in you, Hanni! You have the entire fandom supporting you. HYBE needs to take real action!"
"It takes a lot of courage to speak out against power structures like HYBE. Hanni, you’re not alone in this."
"This should be a wake-up call for the K-pop industry. These idols are human beings, not robots."
"The way Hanni is being ignored and bullied is unacceptable. No one should be treated like this, especially in such a public profession."
"I can’t believe NewJeans has to deal with this on top of everything else. Thank you, Hanni, for being a voice for others."
"HYBE needs to fix their internal issues. It’s embarrassing that they let this happen to one of their biggest groups."
"Hanni's story is so upsetting. No idol should have to go through this kind of treatment at their workplace."
"This is a huge moment for K-pop, seeing an idol speak out like this. I hope it leads to real change in the industry."
"I hope HYBE doesn't try to brush this under the rug. We will keep pushing for justice for Hanni and NewJeans."
"The way the higher-ups ignored Hanni’s greetings just shows how toxic the work environment must be. She deserves better."
"I hope the Ministry of Labor holds HYBE accountable for this. No more excuses or 'lost footage'—we need real answers."
"Hanni is amazing for speaking up. This should set a precedent for other idols to come forward when they’re mistreated."
"I can’t believe a manager would say something so disrespectful. Hanni deserves an apology, and HYBE needs to make amends."
"This whole thing makes me so angry. Hanni and NewJeans worked hard, and now they’re being targeted by their own company."
"It’s so sad to hear Hanni talk about this, but I’m proud of her for not staying silent. HYBE better fix this."
"You can tell how hurt Hanni is by all of this. I hope she knows we stand by her and NewJeans!"
"HYBE’s PR team badmouthing NewJeans? What kind of company does that to its own artists? Disgraceful."
"This situation is bigger than Hanni. It’s about changing how the industry treats its idols. We need more accountability."
"I feel so bad for Hanni. No one should ever have to experience being ignored and isolated at their workplace."
"It’s shocking how such a massive company like HYBE is mishandling this. Fans will not forget this."
"Hanni did what many people are afraid to do: she spoke up. Her bravery will inspire others. HYBE must change."
Tags
Asia