HYBE Faces Criticism: Labor Violation Allegations Against NewJeans and Industry Response to Controversial Document Leak

Concerns Raised Over Labor Practices in K-Pop: NewJeans and HYBE Under Scrutiny

The Ministry of Employment and Labor in South Korea has confirmed that it has received numerous complaints regarding alleged labor law violations involving the K-Pop group NewJeans and their management company, HYBE. Fans and advocacy organizations have specifically cited breaches relating to workplace harassment regulations.

A formal complaint was lodged with the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office following a recent live broadcast featuring NewJeans. During this event, the members expressed feelings of neglect directed towards their colleague, Hanni. Additionally, the group conveyed a desire for the return of former CEO Min Hee-jin and urged HYBE to reconsider ADOR’s management framework, with a deadline set for September 25. A representative from the Ministry noted that as of September 13, more than 100 complaints mentioning keywords like ‘ADOR’ and ‘NewJeans’ have been submitted.

One fan who took action by filing a complaint highlighted the absence of protective laws for underage idols in the South Korean entertainment industry, expressing hope that this situation would catalyze significant legislative improvements. A labor inspector confirmed that the complaint had officially been accepted and outlined that an investigation would proceed in accordance with established procedures.

Labor activists, including members of the civic organization Workplace Gapjil 119, strongly assert that since NewJeans members are under exclusive contracts and perform their duties under the guidance of their agency, they should be classified as employees under the Labor Standards Act. This distinction would afford them necessary protections against workplace harassment.

Additional Controversies Complicate HYBE’s Position

In a separate yet significant controversy, HYBE is also grappling with the fallout from a leaked internal document that surfaced during an audit. This document purportedly contained derogatory comments about other K-Pop artists, agencies, and their respective fan bases, leading to widespread indignation within the industry. Critics argue that these statements undermine not only the artists involved but the integrity of the K-Pop industry as a whole.

Despite CEO Lee Jae-sang’s public apology and claims of outreach to affected agencies, sources indicate that those agencies did not receive any formal apologies, leading to increased frustration. The content of the leaked document has reportedly fostered a growing aversion among rival agencies towards collaboration with HYBE, as they seek to shield their artists from potential disparagement.

The lack of further clarification from HYBE or its chairman, Bang Si-hyuk—believed to have sanctioned the creation of the contentious document—has intensified mistrust and speculation about the company’s corporate culture and practices.

Currently, HYBE stands at a crossroads, facing mounting pressure from allegations of labor violations while simultaneously navigating a significant backlash from the wider K-Pop community. The ramifications of these incidents could potentially jeopardize its reputation and partnerships within the industry.

Source: Women’s News, KrB

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