The photo has since gone viral.
Koreaboo
On October 15th, New Jeans‘ Years she appeared as a witness at the state audit of the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee, where she shared her experiences of bullying by idols and workplace harassment.
The hearing quickly attracted attention, with discussions focusing on domestic issues MOVES and the treatment of employees. While Hanni’s testimony sparked debate online, one particular moment sparked widespread outrage.
During the audit, one participant was seen taking a “cute” selfie with Hanni, who was sitting behind him. In a photo that has gone viral, the participant can be seen smiling while Hanni, equally smiling, looks into the camera. The man in the photo was later identified as Jeong In Seop, the president of Hwanha Ocean.
Although netizens saw it as a cute moment at first, they soon turned against Jeong. It was soon revealed that Jeong had been summoned to the hearing because of his company’s troubling record, which has seen four worker fatalities this year alone. His actions – considered inappropriate given the gravity of the situation – sparked a firestorm of criticism online.
During the audit, Korean Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Tae Sun directly confronted Jeong about the selfie. Kim questioned Jeong, asking if he actually took the photo, which Jeong confirmed:
Jeong In Seop: “YES. Hani was very nervous.
Kim Tae Sun: “While people are dying in your company, are you taking selfies? Are you laughing? It’s not that you can’t take a selfie, but as a representative appearing as a witness you shouldn’t behave like that.”
Jeong In Seop: “I am sorry.”
Despite Jeong’s apologies, the damage had already been done. The incident sparked outrage among netizens, who condemned Jeong’s insensitivity and lack of responsibility. Some even said they felt bad for Hanni having to take a photo with the man.
- “Ah… I’m speechless. I vaguely thought he was the representative of a worker present as a witness for another matter…”
- “So immature, unbelievable.”
- “I watched the hearings and there were too many dead workers…”
- “Even if you don’t know the details, it’s really bizarre, LOL.”
- “What the hell is this?”
- “Has he no conscience?”
- “What an idiot… how can he think of workers like that?”
- “Thanks to Hani, all this has come to light. What a shame. A worker died and is out there taking pictures?”
- “I was just laughing, but seriously? Did he show up for something like that and act that way?”
- “This company has had four fatal accidents this year alone, and yet the president is out here smiling and taking pictures. This is a company that should be punished under the Major Accidents Act, but this is ridiculous. I feel sorry for Hani, who unknowingly took a photo with someone like him…”
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