Min Heejin and Hanni are key figures in workplace harassment allegations investigated by the labor ministry. Min denied interference, calling the claims baseless, and authorities dismissed the complaint due to contract limitations. The issue grew as NewJeans announced their ADOR departure, sparking divided online reactions and legal battles.
Min Heejin and Hanni Workplace Harassment Allegations
Former ADOR CEO Min Heejin faced allegations of involvement in a labor ministry complaint concerning NewJeans member Hanni’s workplace harassment case. A report by ChosunBiz detailed that Min communicated with Hanni’s uncle through Telegram about a labor ministry issue. This timing coincided with a fan’s submission of a complaint regarding Hanni to the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission in September 2023.
Telegram messages revealed that on September 14, 2023, Hanni’s uncle sent a message to Min, mentioning the labor ministry. This followed a fan’s complaint filed two days earlier, after which the labor ministry confirmed receiving the related case.
Min Heejin Denial of Involvement in Hanni Harassment Case
Min Heejin strongly denied the accusations, stating on Instagram that the claims were “groundless and fictional.” She emphasized that she had no connections with government officials and neither instructed nor requested any actions regarding the case. Min also clarified that her conversations with Hanni’s uncle showed no evidence of wrongdoing, asserting that the dialogue suggested she was being approached for advice rather than influencing the situation.
Hanni’s Workplace Experiences Spark Investigation
Hanni shared during a live YouTube broadcast in October 2023 that she overheard a manager instructing others to ignore her. This revelation prompted a NewJeans fan to submit a complaint to the labor ministry, calling for an investigation into alleged bullying within HYBE. However, the Seoul Western Employment and Labor Office dismissed the case, stating that Hanni’s contractual relationship did not fall under labor law protections.
NewJeans Group Departure and Contract Dispute
On November 28, 2023, NewJeans held an emergency press conference announcing their intention to leave ADOR, citing unresolved issues with the company. They declared their exclusive contracts would terminate on November 29, 2024, and expressed a desire to continue working with Min Heejin. Subsequently, the group established new social media accounts and began their independent activities in December 2023.
In response, ADOR filed a lawsuit in December to confirm the validity of their contracts with NewJeans, aiming to resolve the legal dispute.
Online Reactions to Min Heejin and Hanni Controversy
The controversy stirred polarized reactions across online platforms. Supporters on instiz defended Min Heejin, arguing that her assistance to NewJeans against HYBE’s alleged harassment was justified. While some raised questions about her close relationship with Hanni’s uncle, others dismissed such concerns. Instiz users expressed ongoing support for Min, even if she lost the legal battle.
Conversely, MLBPARK users criticized NewJeans and urged them to sever ties with Min Heejin and reconcile with HYBE. Many felt it was too late, but some hoped the group would change their stance. These opposing opinions highlight the complexity of the issue, which awaits resolution through legal proceedings.
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The woman is nasty. Her greed and malice brought a lot of chaos to the industry. She was the best paid employee, given too much freedom to do whatever the hec she pleased, had her own subsidiary and was given access to HYBE’s contacts, resources, over 3 million dollars to buy her shares and she stabbed the company in the back! Her lies have been exposed and we still have big time idiots denying she is the one who is in the wrong. Her rich backers, unprofessional and dirty media PR and media friends should be taken to court and held accountable for their actions. This woman should be blacklisted and thrown in jail for her criminal behaviour. Period.