NewJeans' Hanni recently spoke at the National Assembly, sharing her painful experience of being ignored and isolated within HYBE. During the audit by the Environment and Labor Committee on October 15, Hanni testified as a witness, addressing the issue of workplace bullying in the idol industry. ADOR’s new CEO, Kim Joo Young, was also present.
Hanni and the parents of other NewJeans members had previously raised concerns about bullying within HYBE, criticizing the company’s lack of proper response.
Chairman Ahn Ho Young, who led the hearing, mentioned that Hanni, being a foreigner, was testifying without an interpreter and asked for understanding in case her words weren’t perfect.
Hanni then shared a specific incident, recalling, "There’s a floor in the building where we get our hair and makeup done. After I finished, I was waiting in the hallway. Some team members from another label walked by, and they had greeted me well before. But when they came out again, one of their managers made eye contact with me and told the others, 'Pretend you didn’t see her, ignore her.'"
She continued, clearly emotional, "I don’t understand why I have to go through this. It wasn’t just a one-time thing. Why do I have to endure this kind of behavior in my workplace?"
Hanni’s words shed light on the struggles that idols like her face behind the scenes, raising awareness about the need for better treatment and support within the industry.
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