NewJeans’ Hanni Testifies About Workplace Bullying at Parliamentary Hearing

SEOUL: NewJeans' Hanni attended a parliamentary labor committee meeting Tuesday, addressing allegations of workplace bullying within Hybe, the parent company of ADOR, NewJeans' label. According to Yonhap News Agency, Hanni shared a distressing encounter involving a manager from the girl group ILLIT, which is under Hybe's sub-label Belift Lab. "I was waiting in the hallway after finishing my hair and makeup when about three members and a female manager passed by. I politely greeted them," Hanni recounted. "They came back out five or ten minutes later, and the manager saw me and told the members, 'Pretend you didn't see her, just ignore her.'" Hanni expressed her confusion and frustration, stating, "I couldn't understand it at all why I had to go through something like that, especially in a professional setting. This wasn't the first time, and that is why I decided to speak up today, to make sure no one else has to experience this." In response, Belift Lab has denied the accusations. At the same meeting, ADO R CEO Kim Ju-young acknowledged the discrepancies in the accounts of the incident. "Unfortunately, the statements from both sides are at odds based on our internal investigation," said Kim. He expressed trust in Hanni's statements but noted the challenges in substantiating her claims. "I trust what Hanni is saying, but I've been frustrated in trying to find evidence to support her claims. So far we haven't been able to secure any proof." Kim assured that the company would pay closer attention to the opinions of their artists and improve communication. He also committed to fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation by the labor ministry to uncover the truth. The issue of workplace bullying was brought to the attention of the parliamentary labor and environment committee late last month, prompting them to request the presence of Hanni and ADOR CEO Kim as witnesses. The case highlights ongoing conflicts within Hybe, notably the August removal of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, whom NewJeans supports, after allegations of her attempting to take control of ADOR and NewJeans.