NewJeans “Bullying within HYBE” Controversy Escalates...
Fans Request Investigation by Ministry of Employment and Labor

‍

The controversy surrounding alleged bullying within HYBE involving K-pop girl group NewJeans is escalating.

Following revelations from the NewJeans members, fans have requested an official investigation by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, signaling the severity of the situation.

On the 12th, a fan identifying as "A" submitted a petition to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, asking for an investigation into the "bullying incident within HYBE involving NewJeans."

A also requested that any illegal activity found be severely punished.

In the complaint shared via the National Petition Service, A stated, "As a fan who has always supported NewJeans, I couldn’t help but feel outraged after watching the recent revelation video."

A further explained that they believed the "bullying suspicions within HYBE regarding NewJeans" needed to be thoroughly investigated, leading them to request an inquiry by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, which has the exclusive authority to investigate labor law violations.

A argued, "If the bullying accusations by NewJeans members Hanni and Minji are true, the company may have violated Article 76-2 (Prohibition of Workplace Bullying) and Article 76-3 (Actions in Case of Workplace Bullying) of the Labor Standards Act."

The controversy began on the 11th, when NewJeans conducted a live YouTube broadcast, during which the members made allegations.

Hanni revealed that she had been bullied within HYBE, stating, "At a makeup area, I ran into another idol member and a manager. The manager, loud enough for me to hear, told them to 'ignore her,'" she said.

Hanni added, "I still can’t understand why I had to go through that.

Even now, it makes no sense, and it was so unfair.

I hope no one else ever has to go through something like that. I’ve already been through it once, and I’m scared that it could happen to the other members too."

Minji also expressed her shock, saying, "I was really taken aback when I heard Hanni’s story.

How could a manager say something like that? I couldn't believe what I heard, and they didn't even apologize or admit any wrongdoing," she said, expressing concern.

According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor's

"Guidelines on Workplace Bullying and Its Prevention and Response," published in May 2023, workplace bullying under the Labor Standards Act is defined as "actions in which a superior or employee takes advantage of their position or relationship to inflict physical or mental suffering on another employee or deteriorate the working environment beyond the appropriate scope of work."

‍

The music industry is voicing concerns over this incident.

One industry insider said, "Idol group members, especially those who are minors, require more careful protection and management within their companies. If these accusations are true, there is an urgent need for improving working conditions across the entire entertainment industry."

Another expert commented, "It is extremely rare for idol group members to publicly raise such issues, which could indicate how serious the situation is.

A thorough investigation and appropriate action are needed."

Meanwhile, during the same live broadcast, the NewJeans members called on HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk to reinstate former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin as CEO by the 25th.

The members referred to Min as "the person who created the current NewJeans," and said, "What we want is the original ADOR, where Min Hee-jin is both CEO and producer."

This incident has sparked discussions about the working environment in the K-pop industry and the protection of idol group members' rights.

In particular, the need for better working conditions and psychological support for idol group members, especially minors, is coming to the forefront.

The results of the Ministry of Employment and Labor's investigation and an official statement from HYBE are highly anticipated.

This controversy is expected to intensify discussions on improving the working environment and protecting artists' rights throughout the K-pop industry.