Amid allegations of workplace bullying at HYBE, on October 15, Hanni (NewJeans) appeared at a public hearing before the South Korean National Assembly to clarify the matter. Previously, her statements implying mistreatment at the company had stirred controversy.
However, instead of gaining sympathy during the hearing, Hanni’s attitude and comments led to a significant public backlash. She quickly became the target of online criticism, which also spread to her group, NewJeans.
On September 11, Hanni and NewJeans sparked controversy during a livestream where they alleged cold treatment at HYBE. Hanni described a scenario where she greeted another company artist but was met with an indifferent response from a manager.
The controversy escalated when the Labor and Environment Committee of the National Assembly summoned Hanni and ADOR’s CEO, Kim Yu Young, for a public hearing regarding bullying and harassment in the workplace. Media and lawmakers attended the session to investigate the accusations.
During the hearing, Hanni claimed that “HYBE doesn’t like NewJeans” and emphasized mutual respect in the workplace. She emphatically stated, “If we respect each other as human beings, then at the very least, there will be no harassment or bullying in the workplace.”
However, contrary to her statement demanding mutual respect, she was caught displaying a disrespectful attitude towards the new CEO of ADOR.
Further, Hanni’s failure to correctly remember the CEO’s name worsened the situation. Netizens noted that her inability to recall Kim Yu Young’s name contradicted her earlier complaints about being disrespected. Consequently, the narrative shifted, with many netizens now doubting Hanni’s sincerity and integrity.
The fallout from the hearing has cast a shadow over NewJeans, with accusations of manipulation by their former creative director, Min Hee Jin, and growing skepticism regarding the group’s motives. Fans remain divided, with some continuing to support Hanni, while others are disappointed by the group’s behavior, raising concerns about their future in the industry.
Currently, on various forums in South Korea, from small to large ones, including Naver, the majority of comments from K-netizens lean towards criticizing Hanni and the National Assembly.
Netizens’ comments on Naver:
[+1932 -429]
Is something as minor as a greeting really worth bringing to a national investigation? On the contrary, it feels like they are the ones seriously bullying and abusing power. It’s hard to believe that a young kid is being given more importance than a man who’s crying his heart out (ILLIT’s manager had to quit to undergo therapy for pressure and depression). There are other idols who work harder than her but get bullied even worse.
[+1249 -309]
No matter how you look at it, it seems like NewJeans is bullying their own CEO in front of the public? The CEO is being bullied while other groups in the company are being mistreated (referring to the online harassment of ILLIT).
[+1031 -181]
A foreign idol who earns 5.2 billion won a year filed a lawsuit against a new worker earning 2 million won a month for “ignoring” her. This is nothing but an abuse of power. While Congress sides with this rich foreign idol, has Congress ever listened to the story of the manager, who is also a worker? Are you ignoring the families of 23 victims who died in the factory just to meet an idol carrying a Gucci bag?
[+823 -198]
If saying “ignore her” is considered bullying, then 90% of Korean workers have suffered far worse. Is this trivial matter really worth bringing to the National Assembly?
[+756 -145]
Striking poses, taking pictures, smiling… I don’t see any oppression on her face at all.
The recent hearing has caused NewJeans, once strongly supported by the public, to fall into a state of severe criticism. Many people are fed up with the internal conflict among entertainment companies and feel sympathy for the five young girls caught in the middle of these disputes.
Nonetheless, many fans still stand by NewJeans, arguing that the female idols are merely pawns in the power struggles of the upper echelons of the entertainment industry. The group is currently facing a difficult situation, with their image and interests unprotected. A video of Hanni crying during the hearing has been widely shared on social media, and many continue to defend her, praising her strength and bravery.
NewJeans’ future is currently in a predicament. If they choose to stay with HYBE, the group may not receive the same support as before, which could affect their development and public image. Conversely, if they opt to terminate their contract, they risk facing the potential of having to compensate for the contract, leading to the possibility of their careers ending, similar to the case of Fifty Fifty.
The hearing has had serious repercussions for Hanni and NewJeans’ public image. Many have criticized Hanni for not maintaining an appropriate attitude in a serious matter, resulting in strong opposition from netizens. This raises doubts about NewJeans’ ability to recover their reputation, as the ongoing conflict with their management company continues. Meanwhile, public patience with the group is gradually wearing thin due to a series of recent negatives.
Source: Naver, K14, X