K-pop Star Hanni Testifies on Workplace Harassment

Hanni, a member of K-pop group NewJeans, testified before South Korean lawmakers regarding workplace bullying, revealing that she overheard a manager instructing members of another girl group to ignore her. The testimony highlighted the strict and controlling nature of the K-pop industry, which often subjects idols to harsh scrutiny and expectations. Hanni expressed her confusion and hurt over the treatment she received, asserting that it should not have been tolerated in the workplace. Her testimony is part of a broader conflict involving her group's producer, Min Hee-jin, and HYBE, the agency managing BTS, amid ongoing legal disputes. The incident has attracted significant media attention, prompting calls for accountability and change within the industry. The assembly's Environment and Labor Committee is investigating the matter, as both Hanni and the agency provide conflicting accounts of the events.