"Clear Foreign Discrimination"... Gangbuk-gu Office Finally Criticized for 'Hani Parody'

"Say You Didn't Understand Like Hani" Remark
Netizens Call It "Discrimination Against Foreigners"
Apology Posted and Video Made Private

A screenshot of the NewJeans Hanni parody video uploaded on the Gangbuk District Office's YouTube channel.

The Gangbuk District Office in Seoul issued an official apology after facing controversy over allegedly mocking NewJeans member Hanni.

On October 21, the Gangbuk District Office posted an apology on its official YouTube channel, "Gangbuk District." The office stated, "First and foremost, we deeply apologize for causing concern to many people due to the video uploaded on the Gangbuk District YouTube channel." They continued, "Contrary to our original intent, we humbly accept the concerns and criticisms raised by many regarding the video’s subject matter, which was perceived as discriminatory against foreigners. As a result, the video has been made private." The office added, "We sincerely apologize once again to everyone who felt uncomfortable because of this video. Going forward, we will exercise greater caution and consideration in the content production process."

Recently, the Gangbuk District Office uploaded a video titled "[Gongdeulteu] We Apologize" on its YouTube channel. The video was a parody of NewJeans member Hanni (20, real name Pham Hanni, Vietnamese-Australian), who recently appeared as a witness at the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee audit. In the video, a woman appeared under the name "Pham Hanni," wearing clothing similar to what Hanni wore during the audit. When a male employee, presumed to be a staff member, made a mistake at work, another man said, "Try saying you didn't understand, like Hanni did. Then the assembly members will just let it go."

After the video was uploaded, online users criticized it, saying, "Hanni bravely spoke up about workplace bullying and ostracism," "Mocking a foreigner simply because she is not fluent in Korean is no different from outright ridicule," and "This is not a parody but a clear act of discrimination." In fact, during the audit, Hanni responded to a question from Assemblyman Kim Hyungdong of the People Power Party by saying, "I'm really sorry, but I didn't quite understand," apologizing for her lack of fluency in Korean. She also tearfully stated, "If we respected each other as human beings, at the very least, things like this would not happen."

Actress Ji Yeeun was embroiled in a controversy for mocking NewJeans Hanni on "SNL Korea." [Source=Coupang Play]

Previously, on October 19, the eighth episode of Coupang Play’s variety show "SNL Korea" Season 6 also sparked controversy for allegedly mocking Hanni. In the "National Assembly Audit" segment, actress Ji Yeeun imitated Hanni’s awkward manner of speaking, saying, "I appeared (at the National Assembly) because I was bullied at work," which left viewers feeling uncomfortable. As a result, some NewJeans fans left comments on Ji Yeeun’s social media accounts, demanding that she apologize to Hanni.