NewJeans Hanni Emotionally Testifies on Workplace Harassment And Bullying

K-pop has long been known for its strict and regimented structure, but during a National Assembly audit on workplace harassment, NewJeans’ Hanni took a bold stand against bullying. Tearfully addressing South Korea’s National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee, Hanni shared her personal experiences of mistreatment within the industry.

"We are all human. I think a lot of people are forgetting that," Hanni said, as translated by Korea JoongAng Daily. "Although artists and trainees may have different contracts, we are all still human beings," she emphasised, highlighting the harsh conditions she and her group have faced.

Image Courtesy: The Vocal News

Hanni accused her entertainment agency, Hybe, of poor treatment. "I came to the realisation that this wasn’t just a feeling. I was convinced the company hated us," she said, recounting how the lack of respect and professionalism affected her. She also mentioned consistent disrespect from high-ranking individuals in the company who refused to acknowledge her greetings, despite her efforts to be polite in accordance with Korean culture.

In a now-deleted YouTube live stream, fellow NewJeans member Hyein voiced concerns over the treatment of their former CEO, Min Hee-jin, who had been dismissed from Hybe's sub-label ADOR. Hyein expressed frustration at witnessing continued unfair demands on those around them, adding to the group's concerns about their future as a unit.

Continuing her testimony, Hanni recounted another incident where she overheard an idol manager instructing others to "ignore her" in a public setting. This, she said, left her feeling unsupported and vulnerable within the industry.

"When I realised there was no evidence and no one to protect us, I felt like a liar," Hanni admitted. She praised Min Hee-jin for her previous support but expressed her disappointment in the current leadership's lack of protection for the group.

-Sushmita Sarkar