NewJeans’ Hanni recently testified at the National Assembly regarding serious bullying allegations within HYBE. Discover why she felt compelled to speak out publicly and the shocking details she revealed about her experiences.
On October 15, 2024, Hanni from K-pop group NewJeans made headlines when she testified at the National Assembly during a hearing related to workplace harassment and bullying in the idol industry. The focus of the hearing was on allegations of mistreatment within HYBE, NewJeans' parent company. Hanni’s emotional testimony brought attention to the issue of idol bullying, sparking widespread discussion and concern.
Hanni’s Decision to Speak Out
When asked why she chose to testify at the National Assembly, Hanni expressed that she felt she had no choice. “I knew that if I didn’t come here today, this issue would be quietly swept under the rug and forgotten,” she said. Hanni had previously alluded to the bullying incidents in a YouTube live broadcast on September 11, and her appearance at the hearing was her way of ensuring the issue would not be ignored
During the testimony, Hanni recounted a specific incident involving members of another idol group from a HYBE subsidiary, Belift Lab. As she was preparing for a performance at Busan University, Hanni claimed that several members of the girl group I’LL-IT and their manager deliberately ignored her, with one even instructing others to pretend she didn’t exist. “They passed by me and said to each other, ‘Just act like you didn’t see her,’” Hanni recalled tearfully. She further stated that this kind of behavior wasn’t an isolated incident but something she had experienced multiple times
The Impact on Hanni and NewJeans
Hanni’s testimony went beyond just recounting her personal experiences. She spoke out for the sake of her fellow idols, both juniors and trainees, stating, “I hope no one else—whether seniors, juniors, or trainees—ever has to go through something like this.” Her emotional plea highlighted the pervasive nature of such mistreatment within the entertainment industry.
In addition to the bullying she personally endured, Hanni raised concerns about other forms of internal hostility toward NewJeans. She mentioned seeing posts on anonymous workplace app Blind, where HYBE employees allegedly spoke negatively about NewJeans. Moreover, she claimed that a PR executive at HYBE actively worked to sabotage NewJeans' success in Japan by spreading negative rumors
We are all human being. If we respect each other as human beings, at the very least, there shouldn't be bullying or harassment in the workplace. - Hanni
Hanni’s Call for Action
Hanni’s emotional testimony culminated in a plea for accountability and transparency. She stated that true respect and humanity in the workplace could prevent further instances of harassment and bullying. “Those responsible should step forward with confidence if they have nothing to hide, instead of avoiding such confrontations,” Hanni said through tears. Her courage in speaking out has already sparked significant conversation, with many calling for change in how idols are treated within their agencies
HYBE’s Response
Following Hanni’s testimony, Ador CEO and HYBE’s Chief Human Resources Officer Kim Joo-young, who was also present at the hearing, responded by stating that all possible actions had been taken regarding the bullying allegations. However, Kim admitted that the situation is complicated, with conflicting claims from both parties involved. He expressed empathy for Hanni’s frustration but defended his handling of the issue, noting that CCTV footage had been reviewed, and the involved parties from Belift Lab had been questioned
However, Hanni was not satisfied with Kim’s response, stating that he had not done enough to protect NewJeans. “If you truly want to protect us, you should be fighting for us,” she remarked. Hanni ended her statement with a firm call for a swift resolution to the matter.
Why Hanni’s Testimony Matters
Hanni’s appearance at the National Assembly marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about workplace harassment in the K-pop industry. Her bravery in publicly addressing the issue not only shines a light on the darker side of idol life but also serves as a rallying cry for better treatment and protection for all idols, especially those facing similar challenges within their agencies.
By sharing her story in such a public forum, Hanni has ensured that these issues won’t be ignored, making her testimony a crucial step toward fostering a safer and more respectful environment for idols in the future.
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