Introduction

In a significant move for both her career and the K-pop industry, Hanni of the hit group NewJeans announced that she will testify regarding workplace bullying at South Korea’s National Assembly audit scheduled for October 25. This audit will see 17 parliamentary standing committees scrutinizing 802 government institutions over a span of 26 days, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about workplace conditions in entertainment.

Hanni's Role and Background

At only 20 years old, the Vietnamese-Australian star has already made headlines as a reference witness for the National Assembly's Environment and Labour Committee, which is probing into workplace harassment issues within the entertainment sector. Shocking revelations concerning the treatment of idols have emerged, and Hanni’s testimony could spark crucial changes within the industry.

Group Dynamics and Recent Activities

The five-member group, including Minji, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, recently participated in a guerrilla livestream on September 11. During this candid session, they discussed their experiences related to workplace conditions and expressed solidarity with their former CEO, Min Hee-jin, who was ousted from her position in August amid controversies.

Hanni's Personal Experience

Hanni bravely shared a personal experience where she felt dismissed and marginalized. “The fourth floor of the HYBE building is where we get our hair and makeup done, so a lot of other artists and staff go there. One day, I was waiting alone in the hallway, and [another HYBE group] passed by. We greeted each other, but when they returned a bit later, I overheard one of their managers say, 'Ignore her', right in front of me. I was taken aback and still struggle to understand why that happened.”

Industry Reactions

Though she refrained from naming the group or the manager involved in her experience, subsequent statements from both HYBE and its subsidiary Belift Lab confirmed that the group was Illit. This group had previously faced accusations from Min Hee-jin regarding the alleged copying of NewJeans’ style.

Hanni's Motivation for Testifying

In a heartfelt message shared with their fanbase—affectionately known as Bunnies—Hanni explained her motivations for testifying: “I’m doing this for myself, my members, and for Bunnies... I have thought about it a lot but believe moving forward is the right course of action.”

Gratitude to Fans

Expressing gratitude towards fans for their unwavering support, Hanni noted, “I think supporting someone or standing by their side is not an easy endeavor, especially when we didn’t ask for it. I am incredibly grateful for that.”

Conclusion and Future Implications

As the date approaches, many fans and industry insiders are eagerly waiting to see how Hanni’s testimony will influence the regulatory landscape of the K-pop industry, which has been under intense scrutiny for its treatment of idols. Is this the beginning of a much-needed revolution in workplace standards? Stay tuned for more updates!