NewJeans’ Hanni testifies at National Assembly audit on workplace harassment

AKP STAFF

NewJeans’ Hanni testifies at National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee audit.

On October 15th KST, Hanni of the group NewJeans appeared as a witness at the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee audit. Hanni arrived at the National Assembly building in Yeouido, Seoul, dressed in jeans, a white shirt, and a knit vest, maintaining a calm expression as she walked into the building.

Upon arriving at the National Assembly, Hanni did not take any specific questions but responded to a request to say a few words to her fans. She remarked briefly, “I don’t need to say anything because my fans already know everything,” before continuing on her way.

Hanni is expected to provide testimony regarding workplace harassment and bullying issues within her label, HYBE.

The situation gained attention after Hanni, during a YouTube live broadcast with fellow NewJeans members on September 11th, mentioned an incident in which a manager from another label within HYBE walked past her and instructed another artist to “ignore” her, claiming she had been a victim of bullying. This prompted the filing of a complaint with the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

The label involved was later revealed to be Belift Lab, home to the group ILLIT. Belift Lab responded by stating that after reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing staff and artists, the claims were found to be untrue.

As the controversy grew, the Environment and Labor Committee called Hanni and Kim Ju Young, CEO of ADOR and Chief Human Resources Officer at HYBE, as witnesses and references for the audit.

While witnesses are not obligated to appear, Hanni chose to attend. On October 9th KST, she shared on her fan communication platform Phoning, “I will be attending the National Assembly audit alone. I’m doing this for myself, my members, and Bunnies (NewJeans’ fandom).”