In brief
Hanni, a NewJeans member, addressed the South Korean Parliament regarding workplace bullying within the K-pop industry. During the hearing, she reiterated a previously shared incident of being told to be ignored by a fellow K-pop group's manager, highlighting ongoing issues concerning performer rights and workplace treatment in the entertainment sector.
Hanni, a celebrated idol from the K-pop group NewJeans, made a significant appearance at South Korea’s National Assembly to speak on workplace bullying, an event that garnered immense attention. However, her testimony provided limited new information as she revisited an incident previously disclosed, highlighting the persistent issue of bullying within her industry. The testimony focused on a Hybe employee directing another K-pop group’s members to overlook Hanni, representing a larger narrative of disrespect and mistreatment by industry leaders.The hearing, part of a broader inquiry by the Environment and Labor Committee into entertainer working conditions, underscored gaps in labor protections for performers like Hanni. Committee head An Ho-young emphasized the urgency of safeguarding entertainer rights amid an industry notorious for its stringent and extreme training practices.The testimony comes amid escalating tensions between NewJeans and Hybe, primarily revolving around disputes concerning executive producer Min Hee-Jin. The situation has brought to light internal conflicts that became public when the group showed support for reinstating Min, highlighting the complexities artists face within agency relationships. Despite passing an ultimatum deadline for resolution with Hybe, NewJeans has yet to take further action, leaving fans and industry observers keenly watching for future developments.
