K-netizens react to NewJeans' Hanni being summoned for National Assembly audit on workplace harassment
by Sophie-Ha · allkpopThe National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee has called NewJeans member Hanni as a reference and ADOR CEO Kim Joo Young as a witness for next month’s audit. The session is expected to involve a heated discussion on allegations of workplace harassment.
On September 30, the committee passed a resolution requiring Hanni to attend as a reference and Kim Joo Young to testify as a witness on October 25. Lawmakers plan to question Hanni about workplace harassment claims, while Kim will be asked to explain why HYBE’s response to these allegations was insufficient.
Although they’ve been summoned, both Hanni and Kim may submit valid reasons for non-attendance. However, if the committee finds a witness’s reasons unjustified, they may issue a summons or even file a complaint for non-compliance. Given this, there’s speculation that even if Hanni doesn’t appear, Kim is likely to attend.
Earlier, on September 11, during a YouTube live broadcast, Hanni alleged she was a victim of workplace harassment. She described an incident where, while waiting in a hallway at HYBE, she greeted another celebrity and their manager, only for the manager to respond by telling the celebrity to "ignore" her.
Following these claims, fans filed complaints with the Ministry of Employment and Labor, drawing attention to whether the incident constitutes workplace harassment. The key issue is whether NewJeans members are considered "employees" under the Labor Standards Act, which includes provisions against workplace harassment.
Korean netizens commented:
"They're just using her fame, why are they calling Hanni? They should call the manager instead."
"This company is definitely the most disgraceful one in K-pop history, lol. Why call Hanni? Call the manager and investigate them."
"Ah, Hanni, stay strong."
"Now we're even seeing active idols being summoned for the National Assembly audit."
"No matter what she chooses, whether she attends or not, I'll support her."
"It's optional, so she doesn't have to go."
"If she goes, she should just say everything she wants to say and come back! Hanni, fighting!"
"Hanni really came to Korea because she loves singing and wanted to follow her dreams. Why does she have to go through all this?"
"My heart hurts, seriously. She came to Korea at such a young age, and now this..."
"Sigh, these kids are going through so much."
"What is this, Hanni, in Korea? Fighting, stay strong."
"This is crazy... What are these kids going through?"
"She came to Korea and is going through so many things..."
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