In brief
Hanni accused management of the entertainment agency Hybe of undermining her band, detailing incidents including a dismissive encounter with another band's manager.
K-pop sensation Hanni from the band NewJeans delivered an emotional testimony before the Labour Committee of South Korea's National Assembly, alleging workplace harassment by Hybe management. During the hearing, she articulated feelings that the company deliberately neglected her band, detailing experiences of being ignored by senior management. Hanni's testimony follows a period of discord for NewJeans, stemming from the dismissal of Min Hee-Jin, a mentor who co-founded their label, Ador. The controversy heightened when the band publicly demanded Min’s reinstatement, citing similar instances of harassment. One notable episode Hanni described involved her being told to be ignored by a manager from another band at their record label's offices. The CEO of Ador acknowledged Hanni's claims but said he lacked supporting evidence. Despite these disputes, NewJeans continues to produce music under their existing seven-year contract, maintaining their position as a prominent group in the K-pop industry. As attention on the issue grows, Hanni expressed her frustration over the controversy overshadowing the band’s success, emphasizing that those responsible have yet to take accountability.
