Hanni, a member of the top K-pop group NewJeans, delivered a teary-eyed narrative about internal strife and strain often hurting the firm as well as about professional harassment before South Korean lawmakers on Tuesday. Her comment encourages deeper investigation on working conditions by revealing the horrible truth concealed beneath the glitter and gloss of K-pop.
Behind K-pop is Stardom curtain
The worldwide prominence of South Korea’s K-pop company—which has generated stars like BTS—often hides the strict rules and harsh regulations followed on upcoming musicians. Although their fans and management are closely scrutinizing idols, they are expected to uphold tight behavior and aesthetic standards set by their great agency. As seen by the criticism directed toward celebrities caught dating or violating agency policies, occasionally even a seemingly little mistake in their personal life may generate a lot of response.
During the investigation, 20-year-old Vietnamese-Australian member of NewJeans Hanni told her own account of workplace bullying. She told us about a manager from another idol group connected to her agency telling members of that group to turn away from her. “I ran across three colleagues from another group and management… “Ignore her as if you didn’t see her,” the government advised the lawmakers. Following Hanni’s testimony was enlightening. She said hurt and confused, “I could not understand why I had to go through this.”
Issues between HYBE and NewJeans’ producer
The disturbing episode happened amid a broader general boardroom conflict between NewJeans producer Min Hee-jin and among the most powerful figures in K-pop. Following HYBE’s legal complaint against her for corporate trust breakdown, Min was terminated as President of ADOR, a branch of HYBE. This inner struggle apparently has affected Hanni and her fellow NewJeans members.
All NewJeans members supported Min, asking for her restoration as ADOR’s CEO, during a webcast when Hanni cited workplace bullying. Hanni suggested the continuous legal conflicts between HYBE and Min might have shaped the harassment she experienced. “It barely could have been unrelated. But they didn’t have to bring that problem into the office,” she underlined, stressing the human effect the corporate struggle had on her and her staff.
Demand Fairness in Treatment and Justice
Hanni’s findings highlighted the need for equitable treatment in the company since she exposed more cases of unfair behavior by HYBE, including compromising NewJeans’ performance in Japan. She noted that the group had struggled outside of the spotlight and said, “I felt I couldn’t just sit idly by while such behavior continued to repeat.”
Kim Ju-young, the current ADOR CEO, said she could relate to Hanni’s statement but pointed out that no CCTV footage could verify the bullying incident. Many, especially in view of Hanni’s courage in speaking up, have connected to her tale even in the absence of particular evidence.
The study was supervised by South Korea’s parliamentary committee in charge of workplace safety and conditions. Though not a research team, the committee’s hearings have raised awareness of the rising issue with workplace harassment in one of the most profitable sectors of South Korea.
Influence of Min Hee-jin on K-pop and NewJeans’ Legacy
Long seen as a powerhouse in the K-pop scene, Min Hee-jin has created smash performers such as Girls’ Generation, EXO, and SHINee. Though she was recently let go from ADOR, her work with NewJeans has confirmed her position as a big influence in the company Min is still a prominent person whose work has contributed to create the sound and image of contemporary K-pop along with BTV, one of HYBE’s most well-known events.
Among the most well-known K-pop groups nowadays, NewJeans has exploded in appeal under Min’s direction. But the internal conflict and claims of workplace harassment have exposed the darker sides of the business, which sometimes go unseen to spectators.
The Greater View: The Hard Facts of K-pop
Hanni’s reply reminds us soberly that many K-pop stars negotiate difficult work conditions and demanding expectations behind their slick presentations and international reputation. Apart from the great public attention, agencies’ strict policies create a high-stakes environment whereby mistakes could have major consequences.
Notwithstanding these difficulties, Hanni concluded her testimony in a positive tone thanking the audience for their attention on the matter. “I appreciate the awareness people have given this problem. Emphasizing the need for better treatment of musicians in the K-pop business, she remarked emotionally: “I hope my fellow colleagues and (K-pop) trainees won’t have to experience such concerns.”
The focus now is on how South Korea’s entertainment behemoths will respond to the rising demands for reform and improved working conditions for their stars as the investigation on various court cases develops.
