In brief
NewJeans’ Hanni breaks silence on alleged harassment within Hybe, marking a significant moment in K-Pop's complex labor dynamics.
During a recent hearing at South Korea’s National Assembly, Hanni, a well-known K-pop idol from the group NewJeans, delivered an emotional testimony about facing relentless workplace harassment from her label, Hybe. Allegations centered around upper management's systematic efforts to undercut her group’s accomplishments. “I realized the company really loathes us,” Hanni tearfully recounted, alleging experiences of overt hostility.The hearing comes after NewJeans disclosed grievances following the abrupt dismissal of their mentor, Min Hee-Jin. Hanni detailed a disturbing incident where a manager instructed peers to ignore her during an encounter at the company’s facility. Despite complaints, Hanni noted her concerns were dismissively brushed aside.Furthermore, Hanni accused company employees of disparaging NewJeans within internal communication platforms and manipulating media narratives unfavorably towards the group’s success. Ador, the subsidiary managing NewJeans, signaled intentions to enhance dialogue with artists, though CEO Kim Joo-young expressed regret over his inability to substantiate Hanni’s claims due to expired evidence.The situation casts uncertainty over NewJeans' future, as legal contracts and public perceptions intertwine amid the turmoil. This revelation, amid NewJeans’ burgeoning global acclaim, highlights significant labor issues shadowing the K-pop industry. Hanni’s forthrightness has captivated South Korean audiences as they navigate the complex realities within one of the world’s most vibrant music scenes.
