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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Actress Lim Ji Yeon is finally opening up about the unexpected backlash she received after showing support for actor Jung Woo Sung during his controversial return to the public eye.

In an interview on January 23rd, following the end of her drama The Tale of Lady Ok, Lim Ji Yeon spoke candidly about the situation that caused a stir at the 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards in November last year.

At the event, Jung Woo Sung made his public return after facing controversy surrounding an “illegitimate child” with model Moon Ga Bi. While Jung Woo Sung took the stage to apologize, Lim Ji Yeon was seen clapping and cheering for him.

Reflecting on that moment, Lim Ji Yeon shared, "It was a brief moment, so it’s hard to say whether it was right or wrong." She added, "I didn’t expect the public’s reaction. On the other hand, I was cautious since The Tale of Lady Ok was airing at the time."

For those who missed it, Jung Woo Sung and Moon Ga Bi, who had been in a relationship since 2022, revealed last year that they were expecting a child.

The actor took full responsibility for the situation and issued an apology during the awards ceremony, saying, "I’m sorry for causing concern and disappointment to everyone who has shown me love and support. I will bear all the criticism, and I promise to take full responsibility as a father to my son".

However, while Jung Woo Sung addressed the controversy, it was Lim Ji Yeon’s show of support that sparked controversy.

She cheered enthusiastically for Jung Woo Sung, while actress Hye Ri, who was seated next to her, kept a neutral, expressionless face. This led to a wave of criticism from some netizens who questioned Lim Ji Yeon’s reaction.

It’s worth noting that Lim Ji Yeon’s agency, Artist Company, was co-founded by Jung Woo Sung and actor Lee Jung Jae, both of whom currently serve as directors.

Could this connection have influenced Lim Ji Yeon’s public display of support? She’s still processing the response, and fans are curious to know how she’ll handle the fallout moving forward.

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