In the End, NewJeans Hanni Shows Tears: "If Respected as a Human, There Would Be No Workplace Harassment" [2024 National Audit]

"We Are Human" Tearful Appeal at National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee Hearing
"Representative Kim Ju-young Did Not Do His Best to Solve the Problem"

Group 'NewJeans' member Hani (20, real name Hani Pham) appeared as a witness at the National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee's audit and stated, "(Regarding the 'ignore' remark) Adore CEO Kim Juyoung said he did his best to resolve the issue, but I do not think so."

NewJeans' Hani appeared as a witness at the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee audit held on the 15th and showed tears during her speech. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

On the 15th at 2:30 PM, Hani appeared as a witness at the National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee (Environment and Labor Committee) audit related to 'idol bullying and workplace harassment,' targeting the Economic, Social and Labor Council and the Ministry of Employment and Labor-affiliated agencies.

At the scene, Hani spoke about the 'ignore me' remark made by a manager from another label under HYBE in June, saying, "(Not only the bullying suspicions) but also the atmosphere I felt within the company, recent incidents, and HYBE employees insulting NewJeans on the Blind app made me certain that the company dislikes us."

Regarding why HYBE dislikes NewJeans, Hani said, "Because we debuted through a different path. We debuted differently from the company's established path, and since we succeeded, I think they tried to belittle us repeatedly," adding, "That is the reason I believe they dislike us," asserting 'workplace harassment.'

Adore CEO Kim Juyoung stated, "At that time, as an internal director of Adore, I believe I took all possible measures, but seeing that Hani felt this way and the situation escalated, I reflect on whether there was something I could have done better."

In response, Hani criticized, "I do not think (CEO Kim Juyoung) did his best," saying, "There were things that could have been done, he said he would protect us but showed no willingness to apologize, no action or intention." She also pointed out, "If you say you will do your best going forward, this issue will be overlooked, but I hope you resolve this problem before talking about the future."

NewJeans' Hani is speaking as a witness at the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee audit held on the 15th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

CEO Kim replied, "As Hani mentioned, we will listen to the artists' voices and strengthen communication," adding, "Currently, there are conflicting claims between the parties involved, so verifying the facts is important." He also said, "We will cooperate with the ongoing Labor Office investigation to clarify the facts as clearly as possible."

When asked if the conflict between HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk and former CEO Min Hee-jin has affected NewJeans' treatment within HYBE, Hani emphasized, "It cannot be otherwise. Since they have such a relationship, there is no need to do this, but because they are doing this, I can no longer stay silent."

On this day, emphasizing 'We are human' regardless of artist or worker status, Hani appealed, "Today was a place to talk about workplace harassment and bullying. What I thought a lot while going through this is that although this world has no law that can solve all problems, if we respect each other as humans, workplace harassment and bullying will not exist."

Also, expressing gratitude for the interest in this matter, Hani said, "I hope other seniors, peers, and juniors here do not have such worries. I have seen many people worry about us, and I am very thankful," adding, "I met members and staff whom I love and consider family in Korea, and I was able to like them. I have been very frustrated avoiding such occasions until now. If I have to come here again next time, I will study Korean harder and come."

NewJeans debuted through the producing and planning of former Adore CEO Min Hee-jin, unlike other girl groups under HYBE labels where Chairman Bang was directly involved in producing. Currently, Chairman Bang and former CEO Min are in severe conflict over allegations of takeover of Adore's management rights.

Earlier, during a NewJeans YouTube live broadcast last month, Hani claimed that a manager from another group under a HYBE label said "ignore me" loud enough for her to hear. The manager in question is currently in charge of protocol for the group 'I-LIT.'

I-LIT's label Believe Lab officially denied Hani's claim through a statement, citing CCTV footage and investigation results of the manager, stating that Hani's claim is not true.