Is HYBE Abandoning NewJeans? The Truth Behind the K-pop Group’s Growing Tensions

The K-pop community has been buzzing with news about Hanni, a member of the popular group NewJeans, following a report about her status as an employee under South Korea's Labor Standards Act. On November 20th, the Seoul West Regional Employment and Labor Office concluded a workplace bullying complaint filed by NewJeans' fans, which alleged that Hanni had been ostracized at work. However, the report concluded that it was difficult to consider Hanni as an employee under the Labor Standards Act, which meant it did not qualify as workplace bullying.

This ruling has ignited a debate not only about whether Hanni was subjected to bullying but also about the nature of her employment status, which has led to intense discussions across various media outlets. The issue has drawn attention far beyond entertainment-focused news sources, with general and economic newspapers covering the topic. In total, about 180 articles have been published, many with open comments, fueling the public's curiosity and concern.

Why is Hanni's Employment Status Being Questioned?

At the heart of this controversy is whether Hanni is truly considered an "employee" under the law. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s guidelines on workplace bullying, the term "employee" applies to those working under a formal employment contract. However, entertainers, particularly those under exclusive contracts with agencies like HYBE's subsidiary ADOR, have often been categorized differently. In this case, the government views entertainers as "exception parties," thus not necessarily covered by the same protections as regular employees.

While the Ministry of Employment and Labor did not directly state that Hanni was not subjected to workplace bullying, it did suggest that the absence of an official employment status meant the complaint could not be validated under the current legal framework. This distinction has left many fans and industry professionals questioning the treatment of entertainers in South Korea.

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The issue surrounding Hanni has sparked a divide within the NewJeans fandom and beyond. While some fans have expressed their concerns about her well-being, others have debated the broader implications of her situation, especially given her prominence within the group. The articles published about this issue tend to focus on the idea that "it’s not workplace bullying" or imply that Hanni's situation is somehow less significant because she is not an employee. These interpretations have led to negative comments in response to the reports, with fans expressing their disappointment in the handling of the situation.

Despite the ongoing media frenzy, the Ministry’s stance remains that the definition of "employee" plays a key role in determining whether a workplace bullying case can be filed, but it was not a definitive statement on whether Hanni experienced mistreatment.

NewJeans' Tensions with ADOR and HYBE

In the midst of this controversy, NewJeans has raised concerns about their management under ADOR, which is part of the larger HYBE group. Earlier this month, NewJeans sent a formal notice to ADOR, stating that they would terminate their exclusive contract if certain issues were not addressed by November 27th. Among the grievances was the handling of statements from HYBE's music industry report, which caused confusion and tension within the group.

The ongoing discord between NewJeans and their management company points to deeper issues regarding trust and treatment, especially after the incident concerning Hanni. The group's demands for clearer communication, apologies, and possible changes in leadership are critical to their future with ADOR and HYBE.

The situation surrounding Hanni and NewJeans highlights the challenges faced by K-pop idols in navigating complex contracts and workplace dynamics. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it raises important questions about the treatment of performers, their employment status, and the need for clear legal frameworks that protect artists in the same way they protect other workers.

As the clock ticks down to the November 27th deadline, fans are anxiously awaiting whether ADOR and HYBE will take concrete actions to address NewJeans' concerns. The resolution of this situation could have significant implications for the group's future and the treatment of entertainers under exclusive contracts in South Korea.