"The Problem of the Korean Entertainment Industry That Created This Environment"
"It's Not Something to Cry Over... We Should Also Thank HYBE"
Some React That Being Summoned to the National Assembly Itself Is Surprising
Foreign media also paid attention to NewJeans member Hani (20, Hani Palm) attending the National Assembly audit, and Japanese netizens showed considerable interest as well.
On the afternoon of the 15th, Hani appeared as a witness at the National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee (Environment and Labor Committee) audit in Yeouido, Seoul, regarding the issue of "idol bullying and workplace harassment." On that day, Hani said at the National Assembly, "I know that if I don't come out here, this will quietly pass and be buried," adding, "This kind of thing can happen to anyone. I came out with the hope that seniors, peers, and trainees would not have to go through this."
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@
Earlier, Hani claimed that she was being ostracized within her agency after greeting a manager from another group under HYBE, the parent company of her agency ADOR, but he said "ignore her" despite seeing her. She also said this was not a one-time incident.
On that day, regardless of whether she was an artist or a worker, Hani emphasized "We are human," saying, "Through experiencing this, I realized that the law is not what can solve all the problems in the world," and appealed, "But if we respect each other as humans, workplace harassment and bullying might not exist." She also shed tears while sharing her experience.
Nippon TV in Japan reported on Hani's attendance at the National Assembly audit, stating, "It appears that the conflict between companies has turned into harassment against the members," and on Japan's largest portal site Yahoo Japan, hundreds of comments were posted on articles about Hani's National Assembly audit, making it a hot topic.
One Japanese netizen commented, "It's problematic that such a young girl has to appeal with tears in the National Assembly. The Korean entertainment industry that created this environment has many issues and needs improvement." Another netizen wrote, "Why does an artist have to fight in such a place? Why does she, who just turned twenty, have to cry and make claims in front of so many people?" and added, "As Hani said, I hope improvements will be made so that such things do not happen in the future." Another netizen pointed out, "It's sad that someone so young is caught up in the chaos caused by the adults in the company and is made to feel the harshness of the world," and said, "I hope the environment will be one where talents are not wasted and everyone can work happily."
On the other hand, some criticized Hani, saying, "Even if the manager really told her not to greet, if that experience was so painful that it made her cry, she might not be able to work in the entertainment industry," and claimed that Hani showed tears to gain sympathy. This netizen said, "If people around you treat you like a butterfly or a flower and you earned a lot of money, you (Hani) are living a wonderful life," and pointed out, "You should be grateful not only to CEO Min Hee-jin and your parents but also to the parent company (HYBE) that debuted you."
There were also many opinions criticizing the very summoning of a witness to the National Assembly, such as "It's amazing that the Korean government calls people to the National Assembly over such matters," and "This doesn't seem like an issue the state should be involved in."
Meanwhile, in June, Hani caused a big sensation by performing "Blue Coral Reef," a 1980 hit song by Seiko Matsuda, at the fan meeting "2024 Bernie's Camp" held at Tokyo Dome in Japan. Seiko Matsuda is a singer representing Japan's prosperous 1980s "Bubble Era." After the performance, Japanese people praised Hani for perfectly covering a stage that reminded them of the golden era.
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