Did NewJeans Hanni Mislead Fans? BELIFT LAB Releases Timeline Addressing ‘Workplace Bullying’ Allegations with ILLIT

BELIFT LAB has officially addressed the allegations made by NewJeans’ Hanni, who claimed that staff members directed ILLIT to disregard her greetings. In response, the agency provided a detailed timeline of the events in question.

On October 7th, BELIFT LAB issued a statement countering various K-media reports which suggested that HYBE, the parent company, attempted to manipulate CCTV footage related to Hanni’s accusations.

This controversy arose amidst the ongoing conflict involving HYBE, ADOR, and Min Hee Jin, following Hanni’s assertion that an ILLIT manager instructed members of the junior girl group to not respond to her greetings.

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BELIFT LAB declared:

“In light of the unfounded plagiarism accusations, we emphatically request that the baseless slander against our rookie artist concerning greeting issues cease immediately.”

According to the mothers of NewJeans members, it was alleged that the footage showing staff “harassing”Hanni had been erased to obscure the truth of the situation. However, the timeline provided by the sub-label indicates that the parents raised the matter on June 13. The CCTV footage from May 14 until the raising of this issue was reviewed, revealing that the two groups had only interacted once, on May 27.

“The footage documented a brief 5-minute encounter on May 27, during which ILLIT members exited the elevator and bowed at a 90-degree angle to New Jeans’ Hanni who was positioned in front of them.”

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On June 19, BELIFT LAB communicated with the ADOR board regarding Hanni’s allegations, asserting that the incident never took place. Nevertheless, on August 14, former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin reviewed the footage and speculated that Hanni’s claims might have occurred afterward.

Unfortunately, CCTV footage at HYBE is retained for only 30 days, and since over three months had elapsed, retrieval was not feasible. Min accused HYBE of intentionally deleting the relevant footage.

The matter has escalated to the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee, which has summoned Hanni to testify as a reference witness concerning allegations of “workplace bullying.”

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“From the outset of this issue, we have consistently urged our artists, including those from other labels, to act with respect. We have fully cooperated with the investigation.

Still, despite providing comprehensive explanations, unverifiable new claims are being presented, resulting in unsubstantiated matters coming up during the National Assembly’s state audit. This raises questions about any ulterior motives at play.”

BELIFT LAB also cautioned ADOR, stating:

“Should this situation persist and harm the reputation of our company, our artists, and our members while disrupting their progress, we will take all necessary actions.”

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