Shocking Revelations from NewJeans' Hanni on Workplace Bullying in the K-Pop Industry

In an unprecedented move, Hanni, a member of the popular K-pop group NewJeans, opened up about her harrowing experiences with workplace bullying and artist treatment during a session at South Korea's National Assembly on October 15. The 20-year-old was invited to testify before the Labour Committee, shedding light on critical issues that plague not only her group but the entire K-pop industry.

Arriving amid a sea of reporters and cameras at the Seoul court, Hanni, who has Vietnamese-Australian roots, recounted her distressing experiences under ADOR—NewJeans' label, which is part of the renowned HYBE conglomerate, the powerhouse behind global sensations like BTS and SEVENTEEN.

In her emotional testimony, Hanni described an incident where a manager overseeing another K-pop act instructed members of their group to "ignore" her entirely. She recalled standing in the hallway post-makeup session, greeting the group as they passed, only to be met with disdain. "The manager made eye contact with me and said, 'Ignore her like you didn’t see her.' I was left feeling humiliated," she shared. This wasn't just a one-off occurrence; it represented a troubling culture that Hanni indicated was pervasive within the company, leaving her and her bandmates feeling disrespected.

Hanni's bravery in speaking out reveals a deeper issue embedded within the K-pop industry, where the pressure for perfection often overshadows artist welfare. "I realized this wasn’t just a feeling; I was convinced that the company hated us," she explained through tears, highlighting the profound emotional toll of such experiences.

During the hearing, Ju Young Kim, the current CEO of ADOR, tried to address the concerns raised by Hanni, admitting that she would seek to "listen more closely" to the artists. However, she also remarked that she had done everything within her power, raising concerns over the lack of concrete evidence for the incidents mentioned, further stressing the complicated relationship between K-pop artists and their management.

The K-pop industry has long been notorious for its stringent control over artists, and Hanni’s testimony marks a significant shift towards transparency and accountability. The Environment and Labor Committee, where Hanni detailed her experiences, is investigating the working conditions for entertainers, pointing to an urgent need for reforms in an industry often criticized for its outdated practices.

Kim emphasized that the K-pop artists are not officially recognized as employees under current labor laws, complicating matters of harassment and legal protections. This raises crucial questions about the safety and dignity of entertainers in an industry valued at billions, yet seemingly lacking fundamental rights for its artists.

In an era where mental health and artist welfare are gaining traction, Hanni’s courageous stand could potentially herald a new awakening in the K-pop world, sparking discussions around the treatment of idols and empowering artists to seek justice. The fallout from these revelations may lead to significant changes, not only for NewJeans but for countless artists striving for dignity and respect in their craft.

As the conversation around workplace harassment heats up, fans and advocates alike are hopeful for a future where K-pop artists can thrive both on and off the stage—no longer settling for mere acceptance but demanding respect and fair treatment in their workplaces.