NewJeans' Hanni says Bang Si Hyuk never once accepted her greeting

AKP STAFF

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NewJeans' Hanni subtly called out HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk during a recent appearance at the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee hearing on October 15.

As a reference, Hanni testified regarding bullying within HYBE, the parent company of her label, ADOR. She remarked, "Chairman Bang Si Hyuk has never once acknowledged my greetings," adding, "I found it rude, not just professionally, but as a human being."

Hanni testified in the audit as a reference regarding workplace bullying within HYBE. It is unprecedented for a K-pop idol to testify in a national audit, garnering much attention.

In September, Hanni and her fellow NewJeans members held an emergency YouTube live broadcast, where they revealed instances of mistreatment within HYBE.

According to Hanni, a manager from another label within the company had instructed another idol group to "ignore" her, leaving her feeling ostracized. Although she reported the situation to ADOR CEO Kim Joo Young, Hanni claimed no meaningful action was taken.

During the audit, committee members, including Chairman Ahn Ho Young, Representative Park Young, and Representative Woo Jae Joon, questioned Hanni and CEO Kim Joo Young about the situation. Hanni recounted a specific incident: "At HYBE's building, there’s a designated floor where we receive hair and makeup services. We were preparing to perform at a university festival in Busan. After finishing my hair and makeup, I waited in the hallway."

She continued, "While waiting, about three team members from another label passed by, along with a female manager. I greeted the members but about 5-10 minutes later, when they passed by again, the manager looked at me and told the members, 'Just pretend you didn’t see her and ignore her.'"

She added, "I couldn’t understand why I had to go through that. But this wasn’t the first time. If I hadn’t come forward, this issue would have quietly been swept under the rug. And it’s something that could happen to anyone. I’m speaking out so others won’t have to go through the same thing."

Hanni shared additional examples to support her claims of being ostracized within HYBE. She shared, "It wasn’t just that one incident. Since our debut, I’ve encountered many senior executives at HYBE. Each time, they’ve never once acknowledged my greetings," she said, implying that Chairman Bang Si Hyuk was among them.

She finally said, "In Korea, I’ve learned that respecting elders is an important part of the culture. So, for someone not to acknowledge my greetings—whether it’s in a professional or personal setting—I think it’s simply rude."