K-pop, a notoriously regimented realm within the music industry, has long been synonymous with its strict protocols. Yet, amidst the shadows of workplace harassment, a beacon of hope emerged as one of the genre's brightest stars boldly stood up against bullying. On October 15, Tuesday, amidst the solemnity of the National Assembly's audit, Hanni, a cherished member of NewJeans, tearfully addressed the Environment and Labor Committee, baring her soul about the realities she faced in the industry's crucible.
"We are not merely faces on a stage; we are human beings, and it seems many have forgotten that," Hanni lamented, her words translated by Korea JoongAng Daily, echoing through the chamber. "Our contracts may differ from those of ordinary workers, but our shared humanity transcends those boundaries."
The 20-year-old Vietnamese-Australian singer, born Phạm Ngọc Hân, courageously accused Hybe, her entertainment agency, of mistreating NewJeans. "It dawned on me that this wasn't merely a fleeting sentiment; I genuinely believed the company held us in contempt," she shared, her voice trembling with emotion.
Hanni's ordeal wasn't an isolated case. "Since our debut, we've encountered individuals in positions of power countless times, only to be met with silence when I greeted them," she recounted, her eyes brimming with hurt. "I've learned in Korea to extend politeness to elders as a cultural norm, but to disregard our greetings, regardless of our professional status, feels nothing short of disrespectful."
In a now-vanished YouTube live stream on September 11, NewJeans voiced their solidarity, calling for Min Hee-jin, the group's visionary, to be reinstated as CEO of ADOR, Hybe's sub-label. "It's painful to witness our comrades continue to endure unjust demands and pressures even after our CEO's departure," Hyein, another member, lamented, her voice heavy with concern for the group's future.
Hanni's testimony continued on Tuesday, painting a chilling picture of her experiences. "At a makeup studio frequented by idols, I overheard a manager instruct another idol member to 'ignore me.' The words stung like a dagger," she revealed. "When I learned that nothing could be done due to a lack of evidence, I felt abandoned by those meant to protect us. Representative Min Hee-jin fought for us, but our current guardians do not."
Present for questioning was Kim Ju-young, the current CEO of ADOR, who addressed the allegations head-on. "We took immediate steps, including consulting with label staff about the manager in question. We were informed that no such incident occurred," he explained, according to the New York Times. "I pursued every avenue, including reviewing surveillance footage, but regretfully, we face conflicting narratives. I believe Hanni, and I've strived to substantiate her claims, but to no avail."
Amidst the turmoil, Min Hee-jin's resignation as ADOR CEO was shrouded in controversy, with rumors swirling that she planned to leave with NewJeans. Min vehemently denied these accusations, stating that her departure was not of her own volition. "The board's decision was made independently of my wishes," she clarified in a statement to Korea JoongAng Daily.
Thus, the stage remains set for a tale of resilience amidst adversity, as K-pop's stars continue to shine light on the darker corners of their industry, demanding change and respect for all.
