Min Hee-jin Resigns as Hanni’s Workplace Complaint Resolution Causes Escalating Tensions

Seoul Labor Office Concludes Investigation Involving NewJeans’ Hanni

On November 20, 2023, the Seoul Western District Office of Employment and Labor announced the results of its investigation into a workplace harassment complaint lodged by fans of the K-pop group NewJeans. The inquiry revealed that Hanni, one of NewJeans’ members, did not fit the legal definition of a worker under the Labor Standards Act, leading to the administrative closure of the case.

Background of the Complaint

The controversy began in September during a live stream on YouTube when Hanni shared an experience in which she greeted a celebrity and their manager in the hallway of HYBE. Following her greeting, Hanni recounted being told by the manager to “ignore her,” prompting fans to call for a comprehensive investigation into alleged harassment within the company.

Labor Office Ruling

The labor office’s decision hinged on the nature of Hanni’s contract with ADOR, affirming that it did not create a conventional employer-employee relationship. This position was supported by a 2019 court ruling that characterized exclusive contracts for entertainers as civil agreements rather than employment contracts, thereby exempting Hanni’s situation from protections against workplace harassment as outlined in Article 76-2 of the Labor Standards Act.

Min Hee-jin Resigns from ADOR

On the same day, Min Hee-jin, the internal director of ADOR, announced her resignation. In her statement, she expressed her intent to sever ties with HYBE and indicated plans to hold the company accountable for breaches of their agreements. Min highlighted various illegal activities she claims occurred and stated, “I have decided that further efforts to restore ADOR are futile.”

Min Hee-jin went on to criticize HYBE sharply, stating, “The atrocities committed by HYBE in 2024 will be remembered as unprecedented in K-pop history,” asserting that the company’s manipulative tactics have not gone unnoticed by the public.

NewJeans’ Response

In a related development, on November 13, members of NewJeans submitted a formal notice to ADOR, citing major breaches of their exclusive contracts and demanding resolution. They warned that failure to address these issues within two weeks would result in contract termination.

Despite ADOR’s stated desire to settle the matter amicably, signs suggest that NewJeans is preparing for a separation. At the 1st Korea Grand Music Awards held on November 16, Hanni remarked, “We don’t know how long we’ll remain NewJeans, but nothing can disrupt the bond between us and our Bunnies,” while Danielle added, “Even if we are no longer NewJeans, NewJeans will never die.”

Anticipation Builds Amidst Developments

With only a week remaining before the deadline for NewJeans’ contract demands, and in light of Min Hee-jin’s unexpected resignation, fans and industry observers are keenly watching how this complex situation will resolve. The outcome is particularly significant for K-pop enthusiasts worldwide, who remain hopeful for a positive resolution.

Source: Daum

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