On October 15, amidst allegations of workplace harassment at HYBE, Hanni from NewJeans attended a public hearing held by the South Korean National Assembly to address these issues. Her earlier comments that suggested she experienced mistreatment had already ignited considerable debate.
However, rather than garnering sympathy at the hearing, Hanni’s demeanor and remarks invited substantial backlash from the public. This resulted in her receiving a wave of criticism online, which also affected her group, NewJeans.
Previously, on September 11, Hanni and NewJeans attracted attention during a livestream where they claimed to have been subjected to cold treatment within HYBE. Hanni recounted an incident where she greeted an artist from another label, only to be met with indifference from a manager.
The situation intensified when the Labor and Environment Committee of the National Assembly called Hanni and ADOR’s CEO, Kim Yu Young, to a public hearing to investigate the allegations of bullying and harassment. Both media personnel and lawmakers were present to scrutinize the claims made.
During the session, Hanni asserted that “HYBE doesn’t appreciate NewJeans,” stressing the importance of mutual respect in their work environment. She went on to declare, “Respecting each other as human beings is fundamental; otherwise, harassment or bullying can occur.”
However, her call for mutual respect quickly faced scrutiny when she displayed what many perceived to be a disrespectful attitude towards ADOR’s new CEO during his address.
Further complicating matters, Hanni was unable to correctly recall the CEO’s name, which led netizens to question her pursuit of respect, especially in light of her earlier claims of being disrespected. As a result, suspicions about her authenticity and motives began to bubble up among the public.
The fallout from the hearing has significantly impacted NewJeans, with allegations of manipulation by their former creative director, Min Hee Jin, leading to a surge in skepticism regarding the group’s motives. Fans are now divided, with some continuing to support Hanni, while others express disappointment and concern for the group’s future within the competitive industry.
Currently, in online discussions across various South Korean platforms—including Naver—the general sentiment leans heavily against Hanni and the proceedings of the National Assembly.
Comments from Netizens on Naver:
- [+1932 -429] Is a simple greeting really deserving of a national investigation? It almost feels like they’re the ones abusing their power. It’s difficult to believe that a young artist gets more attention than a distressed manager (ILLIT’s manager had to resign for therapy due to stress and depression). Many idols out there are working much harder and face worse bullying.
- [+1249 -309] It appears that NewJeans is putting their own CEO in a publicly humiliating situation? The CEO seems to be suffering while others within the company are treated poorly (alluding to the harassment faced by ILLIT).
- [+1031 -181] A foreign star earning 5.2 billion won annually is suing a rookie making 2 million won a month for “ignoring” her. This clearly showcases an abuse of power. Is Parliament listening to the stories of the manager, also a worker? Are they disregarding the families of 23 victims who perished at the factory just to cater to an idol with designer bags?
- [+823 -198] If “ignoring” someone is deemed bullying, then 90% of Korean employees have endured much worse. Is this trivial issue truly worthy of National Assembly attention?
- [+756 -145] Posing for photos and smiling… I don’t see any signs of oppression on her face whatsoever.
The recent hearing has burdened NewJeans, a group once highly favored by the public, plunging them into harsh criticism. Many observers feel exasperated by the infighting within entertainment companies and express sympathy for the five young women ensnared in this turmoil.
Nevertheless, a significant number of fans remain loyal to NewJeans, arguing that the idols are victims of the power games played by industry executives. The group finds themselves in a tricky position, as their image and well-being remain at risk. A video circulating online shows Hanni in tears during the hearing, inspiring many supporters to commend her for her resilience and courage.
NewJeans’ future is precarious. If they decide to remain with HYBE, they might not receive the same support as before, which could adversely influence their growth and public standing. Alternatively, breaking their contract could lead to financial repercussions, potentially affecting their careers similar to Fifty Fifty.
The repercussions of the hearing have significantly tarnished Hanni and NewJeans’ public perception. Many individuals criticize Hanni for failing to display an appropriate demeanor during such a serious issue, resulting in widespread backlash. This raises questions about NewJeans’ potential to restore their reputation amidst ongoing tensions with their management. Meanwhile, the public’s patience is steadily diminishing due to a string of recent controversies.
Source: Naver, K14, X
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