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The Ministry of Employment and Labor has ruled out Hanni's claims against HYBE.
On November 20, Korean news outlet Sports Chosun reported that the ministry concluded that Hanni's allegations of HYBE's alleged bullying do not count as workplace harassment.
The Western District Office also shared numerous points that made it difficult for the case to be considered, saying, "Due to the nature of Hanni's signed management contract, it is difficult to consider her as an employee under the Labor Standards Act, which provides work for the purpose of wages in a use-subordination relationship."
The statement continued, "It is hard to say that direction and supervision on the company's side were being provided, as they were merely fulfilling their obligations on the contract in a position of equal contractual parties."
It also mentioned the absence of work-related factors such as fixed working hours and income mechanics.
"The company does not implement the internal norms or systems that apply to general employees," the ministry said.
Hanni has previously recounted her experience at the HYBE building, where NewJeans had greeted another group under the multi-label. However, she recalled that the unnamed group's manager had instructed the idols to ignore NewJeans.
This incident ignited anger among fans online, who protested for NewJeans' fair treatment and called out workplace harassment inside HYBE. This was also followed by Hanni's powerful testimony at South Korea's National Assembly hearing.
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