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| ▲ NewJeans' Hanni speaks at a parliamentary labor committee meeting in Seoul on Oct. 15, 2024, to talk about workplace bullying. (Yonhap) |
NewJeans Hanni-testimony
NewJeans' Hanni attends parliamentary hearing on workplace bulling
SEOUL, Oct. 15 (Yonhap) -- NewJeans' Hanni attended a parliamentary labor committee meeting Tuesday, addressing allegations of workplace bullying within Hybe, the parent company of ADOR, NewJeans' label.
"I was certain that the company hated us," she said, recounting an incident involving a manager from the girl group ILLIT, under Hybe's sub-label Belift Lab, who told the members to "ignore her."
"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," she said. "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.'"
She expressed confusion and frustration over the incident.
"I couldn't understand it at all why I had to go through something like that, especially in a professional setting," she said. "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."
Belift Lab has denied the accusation.
ADOR CEO Kim Ju-young, who also appeared at the committee meeting, acknowledged the conflicting claims between the two sides.
"Unfortunately, the statements from both sides are at odds based on our internal investigation," Kim said.
"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."
"As Hanni mentioned, I will pay closer attention to the opinions of our artists and try to improve communication with them," Kim said, adding the company would fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation by the labor ministry to find the truth.
Hanni said she didn't believe ADOR did their best to truly "protect us," adding that merely saying they will do better in the future won't resolve this issue.
"I hope they address this issue swiftly before talking about the future," she said.
Late last month, the parliamentary labor and environment committee asked Hanni and ADOR CEO Kim to appear as witnesses after the singer's allegation about workplace bullying.
The case marked the latest in an ongoing conflict between former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, whom NewJeans supports, and parent company Hybe. In August, Hybe removed Min from her position after months of tensions over allegations that she had attempted to take control of ADOR and NewJeans.
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