Korean labor authorities dismissed Hani's harassment claims against HYBE, stating she does not qualify as a worker under labor laws.
November/20/2024 10:55
Hani (real name: Hani Pam) of NewJeans raised harassment within HYBE, and the Korean Ministry of Employment concluded it was 'not applicable.' Today (20th), the Ministry of Employment revealed that 'the Seoul Western Employment Agency determined it difficult to define Hani Pam as a worker under labor standards law regarding the workplace harassment she raised with the Ministry of Employment, leading to administrative closure.' In September, she claimed during a YouTube live stream, 'While waiting in the hallway of the HYBE building, I greeted passing artists and managers, but the manager told me to 'ignore her' right in front of me.' The Western Agency clarified regarding this decision that 'due to the nature of the management contract Hani Pam entered into, it is difficult to define her as a worker under labor standards law,' stating, 'In Hani's case, both parties are equal contracting parties, and they merely have a relationship of fulfilling contractual obligations, making it hard to say there was company direction or supervision.' Furthermore, they pointed out that internal norms, systems, and regulations applicable to regular employees do not apply, that there are no set working hours or locations, making it difficult to determine working hours, and that costs necessary for entertainment activities are jointly borne by the company and Hani. Finally, the Western Agency referred to a Supreme Court ruling from September 2019, which indicated that the nature of exclusive contracts for entertainers falls under civil law's mandate or similar unnamed contracts, emphasizing that it is hard to see Hani as a worker under labor standards law. Previously, Hani attended a National Assembly audit as a reference on October 15 in Yeouido, Seoul. She said, 'Today is a place to talk about harassment and bullying within the company. I have thought a lot since experiencing this. Of course, I know there is no law that can solve everything in this world, but if we respect each other as humans, I believe there will be no harassment or bullying,' showing moments of trembling voice and tears.
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