NewJeans Member Hanni Addresses National Assembly, Receives Support from Lawmakers

On October 15, Hanni served as a reference witness during the National Assembly’s audit concerning the Economic, Social and Labor Council alongside entities under the Ministry of Employment and Labor. She shared her insights regarding workplace bullying incidents that took place at HYBE.

Hanni voluntarily chose to attend this audit, having previously communicated her plans to her fans. On October 9, she announced via NewJeans’ fan communication platform “Phoning,”stating, “I’ve made the decision to go to the National Assembly for myself, my fellow members, and our Bunnies (NewJeans’ fanbase),” showcasing her strong resolve.

This appearance was not pre-discussed with ADOR, the label affiliated with HYBE. By making her attendance known without prior consultation with her agency, Hanni affirmed her commitment, asserting, “My manager and the company are unaware, but I genuinely believe attending (the audit) is the right choice.”

Members of NewJeans have rallied behind Hanni’s participation in the audit. Minji expressed her support on Phoning, updating her status with emojis of an otter, teddy bear, and rabbit, signifying Hanni, herself, and their fandom respectively.

Danielle also shared a sweet message that morning, cheering, “Our amazing Pham unnie~! You’ve got this!!! Phamting~~!!!!♥♥”

Hanni’s decision has garnered backing from her family as well. Her mother commented, “We wholeheartedly support Hanni’s choice to attend the National Assembly and address issues of workplace bullying.”

Alongside Hanni, ADOR’s newly appointed CEO Kim Joo-young was also slated to provide testimony at this audit. This marked her first public appearance in her new role following the “HYBE-Min Hee-jin incident,” leaving many curious about her statements.

NewJeans fans have taken further action against HYBE by forming “Team Bunnies,” which filed a complaint with the Seoul Yongsan Police Station against senior executives from HYBE and ADOR for breaches of trust and violations of personal data protection laws, seeking accountability for these issues.

Post an hour-long testimony at the National Assembly, Hanni expressed her gratitude to her fans, writing on Phoning, “I’m so grateful. Bunnies, you all have worked tirelessly, thank you so very much. I’m trying not to cry, yet the tears keep coming. I am truly thankful, sincerely.”

During her testimony, Hanni elaborated on an incident she had previously mentioned in a YouTube live session on September 11, where a manager from another artist allegedly told her to “Ignore her.” She remarked, “That was not an isolated incident. Since our debut, when I’ve met certain high-ranking individuals, they’ve often not returned my greetings. I understand that in Korean culture, older individuals may prioritize manners, but I still find not acknowledging someone, regardless of social hierarchy, disrespectful as human beings.”

Hanni further criticized CEO Kim Joo-young’s indifferent response to her experiences and observations within the company, including efforts to undermine NewJeans’ accomplishments. Kim stated she had sought to review CCTV footage regarding the incident but was unable to due to the expiration of the retention period. She claimed, “As ADOR’s internal director at that time, I implemented every measure possible.” Hanni countered with, “I’m sorry, but I don’t believe you did your utmost.”

NewJeans’ Hanni Sheds Tears at National Assembly Audit: ‘Grateful to Those Who Care for Us’

Throughout her closing remarks, Hanni became emotional, stating, “During this experience, I have thought deeply about how, while laws may not resolve every issue in the world, respect for one another as human beings could help prevent workplace bullying and ostracism. My hope is that no one, be it seniors, peers, juniors, or trainees, should have to face such worries. I’ve noticed the immense concern others have shown for us, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.”

Hanni and CEO Kim Joo-young’s attendance at the audit followed the submission of over 100 investigative petitions to the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office, prompted by the public revelation of the “ignore her” incident during the YouTube broadcast on September 11. A general meeting held by the Environment and Labor Committee on September 30 resulted in Hanni being selected as a witness. Despite speculation regarding whether Hanni, a Vietnamese-Australian idol, would appear, she confirmed her intention through Phoning. Upon her arrival at the National Assembly, she told reporters, “I don’t feel the need to express my emotions (about my attendance), as our fans already understand my feelings perfectly.”

Source: Daum

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