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.
Related Articles
The Korea Music Content Association said the New York Times gave a one-sided view of a K-pop contract dispute, ignoring Korea’s laws, standard contracts, and the industry’s artist-protection system. It defended K-pop’s incubation model and urged fair, balanced judgment.
NewJeans’ Daniel and Hanni were seen at the 2026 Miracle 365 Purme Run charity event in Seoul. Photos showed them posing with participants. The event marked the 10th anniversary of a children’s rehabilitation hospital, and all fees support treatment for disabled children. Their appearance also drew attention amid Daniel’s ongoing dispute with ADOR.
Min Hee-jin issued a detailed rebuttal to HYBE, arguing that HYBE—not ADOR—controlled the drafting and approval of NewJeans’ exclusive contract. She said HYBE’s legal team handled the draft, revisions, and final approvals, while HYBE now unfairly shifts responsibility to its subsidiary.
HYBE rejected a New York Times report on NewJeans’ exclusive contract, saying it included standard youth and human-rights protections, was negotiated over months with members, parents, and lawyers, and that penalty and image-use clauses were not unfairly changed.
NewJeans’ Danielle released a singing video of her new self-written song, “Stay,” on her personal YouTube channel on the 4th anniversary of the fandom Bunnies. The lyrics suggest a changed relationship, and the timing drew interest. She also posted a birthday message to Bunnies.
ADOR also won on appeal in its damages lawsuit against advertising production company Dolphin Kidnapping Group and director Shin Woo-seok. The court upheld that posting the director’s cut of NewJeans’ “ETA” music video without prior written consent breached the contract, even if oral approval had been claimed.
NewJeans’ Danielle posted a Melbourne vlog on her YouTube channel, showing time with her sister Olivia Marsh and outings for croissants, coffee, and ice cream. Fans noticed people and dogs that seemed linked to Hanni, leading to speculation that some friends in the video were NewJeans members. Danielle also showed affection for NewJeans by visiting the Great Ocean Road, posting a Bunnies Camp sticker, and sharing related photos. The text also mentions her ongoing legal dispute with ADOR.
NewJeans’ Hanni marked her birthday by sharing two selfies on the group’s official SNS. The photos showed her in a dreamy, vintage mood, and fans around the world sent birthday wishes and support. Danielle also appeared to celebrate Hanni’s birthday on Instagram.
NewJeans’ Hanni partly won a damages lawsuit against two netizens who posted insulting and defamatory comments about her. A Seoul court ordered each defendant to pay 100,000 won, saying their remarks were abusive and personal attacks. The court also noted Hanni herself had not acted in a socially blameworthy way.
Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin won a damages lawsuit brought by BELIFT LAB creative director Huh over her 2024 claims that ILLIT copied NewJeans. The court dismissed the claims, saying the evidence did not show Shin, the former ADOR vice president, was involved, and that Huh was not clearly identified as the defamation victim. Huh later abandoned the appeal, making the ruling final and leaving court costs to him.
