Hanni, a member of the K-pop group NewJeans, announced on Oct. 9 that she will attend the National Assembly’s audit of state affairs. Speaking on the fan platform Phoning, she said, “I have decided to go to the National Assembly.”
Hanni reassured fans that she would attend alone, saying, “There’s nothing to worry about. I decided to go for myself, my members, and Bunnies (NewJeans’ fan club). I want to go.”
She added that her managers and agency were unaware of her decision but emphasized it was the right choice. “I wanted to tell the Bunnies first. I’m not sure what will happen, but I believe it will be a valuable experience. I will protect NewJeans and Bunnies.”
Hanni’s announcement follows allegations of mistreatment within HYBE. On Sept. 11, during a live broadcast calling for the return of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, she claimed that a manager from another K-pop group, ILLIT, told members to ignore her when she greeted them. Hanni said she reported the incident to Kim Joo-young, ADOR’s new CEO, but claimed no action was taken.
These claims have raised concerns that NewJeans members may be experiencing bullying within the company. The mothers of NewJeans members alleged that CCTV footage of the incident was withheld, despite a video showing Hanni greeting another member.
In response, Belift Lab, the agency representing ILLIT, denied the claims, stating their staff did not instruct members to ignore Hanni and that both groups exchanged respectful greetings.
The National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee has summoned Hanni and Kim Joo-young to testify about workplace bullying and idol mistreatment. The audit, initially scheduled for Oct. 25, was moved up to Oct. 15.
Separately, NewJeans’ fandom announced plans to file a complaint with Yongsan Police on Oct. 10, accusing Kim Joo-young of breach of duty and obstruction of business, and some HYBE officials of violating the Personal Information Protection Act.
