-Pooja Amrutsagar
In an unpredictable move, Hanni, a member of the global K-pop sensation NewJeans, became the first idol to testify in front of South Korea’s National Assembly on October 15, 2024. The testimony, delivered during a session of the Environment and Labour Committee, centered around allegations of workplace harassment and bullying she faced within her company, Ador, and sparked an online frenzy among fans and netizens.
Hanni's appearance was initially prompted by her mention of being mistreated by higher-ups in the company, as shared during NewJeans’ infamous “emergency live” broadcast. She described several troubling incidents, including how a high-ranking figure within the company repeatedly ignored her greetings and how she discovered negative discussions about her and her group through the workplace gossip app "Blind."
“I knew I had to testify in parliament because otherwise, this issue would be covered up and someone else could fall victim,” Hanni said, her voice emotional as she recounted the troubling period following the sudden replacement of Ador’s CEO, Min Hee-jin. Hanni detailed how her non-native status and struggles with the Korean language further exacerbated the situation, leaving her feeling vulnerable and unsure of how to proceed. She revealed that out of desperation, she had recorded a meeting with the head of security, accusing them of repeatedly changing the story regarding crucial missing CCTV footage.
Ador's CEO Kim Joo-young Responds: Did She Do Enough?
Ador’s new CEO, Kim Joo-young, also testified during the session, claiming that she had done all she could to address Hanni’s concerns when the idol's parents informed her of the bullying on June 13th. Kim explained how she sought CCTV footage and investigated the matter, though she admitted that the manager Hanni referred to worked for a different company under a separate executive director.
“I believe what Hanni said happened,” Kim shared. “But unfortunately, I wasn’t able to acquire the evidence to prove it.”
However, Hanni was candid in her disappointment with Kim's efforts. She expressed that while the CEO had made promises to protect the group, she had failed to take the necessary actions to truly fight for them. “Fighting is unavoidable when it comes to protecting us,” Hanni noted, her words reflecting the deep frustration she felt with the lack of decisive action from her management.
The Idol’s Final Remarks: A Message of Respect and Hope
As her emotional testimony came to a close, Hanni made a powerful statement about workplace respect and humanity. “I think as humans, if we respect one another, workplace bullying wouldn’t be a problem,” she said, her voice breaking as she cried. She thanked those who had supported her and voiced hope that no future idols would have to endure the same treatment.
In the final note, she added, “I’ll practice my Korean and study more in case I’m ever required to stand here again.”
Political Reactions: A Mix of Enthusiasm and Controversy
Hanni’s testimony received mixed reactions from the political audience. While some lawmakers seemed to take the matter seriously, others appeared more interested in the
idol’s celebrity status than the issue at hand. Politician Park, sporting NewJeans' mascot bunny sticker on his laptop, criticized HYBE, Ador's parent company, calling the situation “messed up.” Meanwhile, Representative Kim, who seemed unfamiliar with Hanni, fumbled her name during questioning, causing the room to erupt in laughter when the idol innocently apologized for not understanding his difficult question.
Yet, the most shocking moment came when Hanwha Ocean's CEO, present for an unrelated hearing on the deaths of five workers due to safety violations, took a selfie with Hanni. The gesture was met with widespread outrage, as many netizens and fans criticized the executive for displaying inappropriate behavior in such a serious setting. Hanwha Ocean has since apologized for the incident.
Netizen Reactions: Special Treatment or Intimidation?
Online, netizens remain divided over Hanni's testimony. While many fans are rallying in support of the singer, praising her bravery in standing up for herself, others express concern that Hanni was being targeted or intimidated by appearing alone before the committee. Some international netizens have taken a harsher stance, calling the National Assembly's involvement a "joke" and criticizing its inability to address harassment faced by other K-pop groups like LE SSERAFIM and Illit, who have also been vocal about mistreatment from their companies.
One particularly polarizing opinion came from netizens who believed that Hanni was overreacting, calling her complaints of being ignored “trivial” and accusing her of being overly sensitive.
The Bigger Picture: K-pop’s Struggle with Workplace Harassment
Hanni’s testimony marks a significant moment in the K-pop industry’s ongoing battle with workplace harassment and abuse. Idols have long been subject to mistreatment, with many companies prioritizing profit over the well-being of their artists. As fans continue to demand accountability from entertainment agencies, Hanni’s courageous stand may inspire more idols to come forward and share their experiences.
Despite the mixed responses, one thing is clear: Hanni’s testimony has sparked a much-needed conversation about workplace harassment, not just within the entertainment industry, but across all sectors in South Korea. Whether or not it leads to meaningful change remains to be seen, but Hanni's words have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the nation’s consciousness.
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