Hanni, the leader of NewJeans, recently attended a national court hearing on October 15, 2024. She discussed workplace bullying within HYBE, the parent company of ADOR, NewJeans' label.
Her testimony has generated mixed reactions from fans and netizens alike. Before the court hearing, Hanni addressed the issue through a YouTube video using a burner account.
In this video, she called for the reinstatement of ADOR’s former CEO. During her testimony, she recalled a troubling incident:
"I was waiting in the hallway after finishing my hair and makeup when about three members and a female manager passed by. I politely greeted them. They came back out five or ten minutes later, and the manager saw me and told the members, 'Pretend you didn't see her, just ignore her'".
In response, Kim Ju Young, the current CEO of ADOR, stated, "Unfortunately, the statements from both sides are at odds based on our internal investigation."
She emphasized, "I trust what Hanni is saying, but I've been frustrated in trying to find evidence to support her claims. So far, we haven't been able to secure any proof."
Some fans are questioning why Hanni only mentioned this specific incident in court. Critics argue that if she aims to address workplace bullying thoroughly, she should reveal more instances.
Many feel that her portrayal of "being ignored" seems trivial, especially when numerous K-pop idols face similar treatment daily. While it's not our place to judge what constitutes bullying, myth perception of Hanni's claims raises concerns among fans.
Some believe her comments may unintentionally overshadow the experiences of idols who endure harsher realities in the industry.
In her heartfelt statement, Hanni expressed gratitude: "I would like to thank the members of the National Assembly who created this space. Today, this space is about issues of workplace bullying and ostracism."
She continued, "I thought about this while going through this myself, but I know that the law is not the solution to all the problems in the world."
Hanni emphasized the need for respect, stating, "If we respect people as people, there won't be any workplace bullying and ostracism."
She urged those who need to apologize to come forward confidently, expressing frustration about those avoiding the issue.
CEO Kim Joo Young responded, saying, "As Hanni said, I will listen more closely to the artists' voices and strengthen communication."
She promised, "I will do my best to faithfully cooperate with the ongoing investigation by the Ministry of Labor so that the facts can be clearly revealed."
Fan reactions are mixed and reflect a wide range of opinions. Some fans commented, "It's so weird; everything is so face value with this case"!
Others expressed skepticism, saying, "These claims seem contradictory, but it's essential to verify facts before jumping to conclusions. Misinformation can harm reputations, so it's important to handle such accusations carefully".
One fan noted, "Wow, that's a lot to unpack. Honestly, it sounds like a mess of misunderstandings and drama.=".
They added, "Sometimes people say things without thinking about how it'll come across, and it just spirals from there".
The future of NewJeans hangs in the balance. Hanni has the right intentions in advocating against bullying and for better treatment of idols.
However, her past support for Min Hee Jin raises questions about her message's effectiveness.
As the investigation continues, the K-pop community watches closely to see how this situation will unfold and what it means for the artists involved.
What are your thoughts on Hanni's claims about workplace bullying in the K-pop industry, and how do you think it should be addressed?
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