'Hani' Arrives at the National Assembly, Chalmak Choi Min-hee... Reform New Party's Lee Ki-in Says "Sigh..."

Rep. Choi Taking Photos of Honey: "Sigh..."
"Stop Taking Pictures and Prepare for the Standing Committee"
"Korean Aides Are Really Working Hard"

Minhee Choi, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is taking a photo of NewJeans' Hani with her mobile phone camera upon arrival at the National Assembly audit site. [Source=Photo by Giin Lee, Facebook of the Reform Party Supreme Member]

Lee Gi-in, the Supreme Council Member of the Reform New Party, criticized the actions of Choi Min-hee, a member of the Democratic Party and chairperson of the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Broadcasting and Communications Committee.

On the 15th, Hani (20, real name Hani Pham), a member of the group NewJeans, appeared as a witness at the National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee's audit. Prior to this, the National Assembly initiated 'emergency security' measures to prevent accidents caused by fandoms and reporters related to Hani's attendance at the audit. The day before, the press corps was notified that "for the Environment and Labor Committee audit scheduled for the afternoon of the 15th, reporting will be restricted at the committee's request to maintain order in the meeting room and to protect the safety of witnesses and reference persons."

Jung In-seop, President of Hanwha Ocean Geoje Plant, is capturing NewJeans' Hanni on camera at the Environment and Labor Committee's national audit held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 15th. After the controversy, Hanwha Ocean apologized. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Despite these measures, NewJeans fans, reporters, and National Assembly aides gathered, causing some congestion. In particular, before Hani arrived in the afternoon, Representative Choi waited at the main building entrance with her phone camera on. Around 1:24 PM, when Hani got out of the vehicle, Representative Choi began taking 'proof shots,' and a representative from Hani's side raised a hand to block the approach. Regarding this, Lee Gi-in, Supreme Council Member of the Reform New Party, posted on his social media, "Not Hani, but Mini (Chairperson Choi Min-hee), please stop taking pictures like this and prepare for the Science and Technology Committee. Honestly, it's frustrating." He later added, "Mini, who even brought staff from her office, should stop meddling in Hani's fandom matters. The aides in South Korea are really working hard."

During the Environment and Labor Committee audit that day, Jeong In-seop, president of Hanwha Ocean Geoje Plant, who appeared as a witness, was caught taking photos to get Hani to come out, which sparked controversy. In response, Hanwha Ocean issued an apology statement under the representative's name.

Hani participated as a reference person to testify on the issues of 'idol bullying and workplace harassment' at the National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee's audit targeting the Economic, Social and Labor Committee and the Ministry of Employment and Labor's affiliated institutions. Regarding the "ignore me" remark made by a manager from another label under HYBE in June, she said, "Considering the atmosphere I felt inside the company, recent incidents, and HYBE employees badmouthing NewJeans on the Blind app, I became convinced that the company dislikes us." She added, "Thank you for paying attention to this matter. I hope other seniors, peers, and juniors do not have to worry about this. If I have to come here again, I will study Korean harder and come prepared."