Hanni NewJeans 'stirred up' Kpop, Korean National Assembly officially granted special rights to 'deal with' HYBE?

At the press conference room of the National Assembly of South Korea, Progressive Party lawmaker Jeong Hye Kyung introduced a bill called 'Hanni NewJeans' to protect artists and other special-purpose workers from harassment in the workplace.

Mr. Jeong Hye Kyung wants to amend part of the current Labor Standards Law, the new law sets out special regulations for workers and artists, establishing obligations for employers to take action when harassment by third parties occurs.

Also provides penalties for employers who fail to take appropriate action against perpetrators of workplace harassment and harassment by third parties.

On October 15, Hanni (NewJeans) participated in the National Assembly's audit as a witness on the issue of idol bullying and workplace harassment. This is the first time an idol has participated in the audit of the Korean National Assembly.

During the hearing, the female idol strongly spoke out about being ignored at work as well as being hated by HYBE Group, who wanted to destroy the group's success.

However, on November 20, the Korean Ministry of Labor and Employment officially denied the workplace harassment allegations against NewJeans member Hanni, saying that she was not considered a worker under labor law.

From here, heated debates arose, with many audiences arguing that it was unfair that the law did not protect artists as workers.

If the new bill, called Hanni NewJeans, is passed, the 2004-born idol will make her name in K-pop history. An Australian of Vietnamese descent, Hanni has only debuted in the Korean entertainment market for 2 years.

Many people were surprised that a foreign female idol was so respected by the Korean National Assembly.

"A foreign idol is getting the attention of the entire Korean National Assembly, really cool"; "I wish 'vulgar' harassment cases were also given the same attention"; "This law is great, good for idols and employees, but naming it after Hanni is a bit too much" - audience comments.

"Many idols work so hard that they become exhausted on stage. We have to recognize these individuals as workers," said Lee Gyeo Re, a spokesperson for the Korean Trade Union Confederation.

Lawyer Park Won Cheol said recent court rulings show progress. Courts are gradually recognizing the rights of special contract workers.

For example, golf caddies (employees responsible for maintaining and taking care of golfers' clubs) or insurance agents, who are economically dependent on the company even though they are considered self-employed.

A court has held a golf course and its employer liable for workplace harassment following the death of a non-employee, a landmark ruling that could have far-reaching consequences for workers.

Lawyer Kim Hyo Shin believes that society needs to address gaps in labor protection in non-traditional work environments, especially in rapidly changing and diverse fields like today.

Workplace conduct that degrades human dignity is unacceptable, regardless of the job or the model. For freelancers and artists like Hanni, such incidents happen all too often. Mr. Kim stressed that to create lasting change, a combination of legal reform and cultural change is needed.

Previously, the Goo Hara Act was officially passed by the Law Review Subcommittee of the Law and Justice Committee of the National Assembly of Korea after the female idol passed away.

This law stipulates that a person who seriously violates the obligation to support a minor or commits a serious crime, or who unfairly treats his/her spouse or direct descendants, is grounds for losing the right to inheritance. In addition, the contract dispute between NewJeans and HYBE Group has reached its most intense point, and the result is expected to be announced on November 27.