NewJeans' Hanni to testify on workplace bullying in idol industry at National Assembly

Hanni from girl group NewJeans has been requested to testify at the National Assembly for an audit by the Environment and Labor Committee on workplace bullying.

Hanni at Incheon International Airport on Sept.18 [NEWS1]

Hanni from girl group NewJeans has been requested to testify at the National Assembly for an audit by the Environment and Labor Committee on workplace bullying.

The committee held a general meeting on Monday, where they voted to summon a total of 35 individuals, including Hanni and ADOR CEO Kim Ju-young, for the audit scheduled for Oct. 25.

Hanni was selected to testify, and Kim will be a witness.

NewJeans members held a YouTube livestream on Sept. 11, demanding to reinstate Min Hee-jin as CEO of HYBE's subsidiary label ADOR. During the livestream, Hanni also mentioned an incident where she overheard a manager of one of HYBE's artists instructing the artist to “ignore” her greetings.

Hanni reported the incident to Kim, but her concerns were dismissed, according to Hanni.

“She told me it was too late and that I had no evidence. Seeing her ignoring the issue made me feel like there was no one to protect us [NewJeans],” the singer said during the livestream.

The National Assembly plans to question Hanni about bullying within the idol industry and workplace bullying, while Kim will be asked about her response to bullying issues.

Hanni is not obligated to attend the National Assembly to testify, but Kim, as a witness, is required to appear unless she provides a valid reason for her absence under the Act on Testimony and Appraisal Before the National Assembly. If she fails to appear without a proper explanation, she could face penalties or be compelled to attend based on a decision by the standing committee.

To find out more about Hanni, visit Celeb Confirmed!

BY WOO JI-WON [woo.jiwon@joongang.co.kr]