NewJeans' Hanni Faces Criticism During National Assembly Hearing; Cap's Comments Spark Debate Amidst 5.2 Billion Won Earnings and Nationality Controversy

Former member of the group Teen Top and current YouTuber Cap (real name Bang Min-su) sparked controversy by sharply criticizing NewJeans' Haein's testimony at a National Assembly hearing. In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Cap questioned Haein's appearance at the hearing to discuss workplace bullying issues.

He particularly criticized Haein for focusing mainly on her own experiences, stating, “Someone of NewJeans’ stature should not only share their own experiences but also represent the larger issues in the entertainment industry and those of the vulnerable who are not well-known to society.” He added, "I have many vulnerable people around me. There must be countless people affiliated with the entertainment industry. The focus should be there, not on how her team was ignored and bullied, and what she did afterwards. Leaving was fine, but she couldn't speak out."

Cap's Criticism and Haein's Testimony

Cap particularly criticized Haein for mainly discussing her own experiences at the National Assembly hearing, despite not being Korean. He expressed his discomfort, saying, “NewJeans' income already amounts to tens of billions of won. If someone in that position focuses only on their own story at a National Assembly hearing, it will be difficult for the public to empathize with the stories of others suffering in the entertainment industry.”

His claims led to controversy regarding Haein's nationality and income level, sparking diverse reactions among netizens. Some agreed with Cap, supporting the argument that celebrities should fulfill their social responsibilities, while others argued that Haein's testimony aimed to address real issues within the entertainment industry.

Voices of the Vulnerable in the Entertainment Industry, Lacking at the National Assembly Hearing?

Cap emphasized the need for attention to the vulnerable in the entertainment industry, arguing that they should receive more attention in important venues like National Assembly hearings. He stressed, “Haein should have talked about those who are actually suffering and being ignored within the entertainment industry, rather than her personal experiences.” This criticism stems from Cap’s strong awareness of the instability of employment and unfair contract issues within the entertainment industry.

Haein's Testimony and Social Impact

Haein appeared at the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee hearing on October 15th, mentioning workplace bullying in the entertainment industry and criticizing ADOR CEO Kim Joo-young for his passive approach to resolving team issues. She directly told Mr. Kim that "more effort needs to be made," raising her voice to demand improvements in bullying issues within the entertainment industry.

However, even with Haein making this statement, Cap remained unsatisfied. Cap criticized Haein for focusing on self-serving statements rather than representing the problems of the entire entertainment industry using her fame.

The Role and Social Responsibility of Famous Celebrities

Cap's statements have led to discussions about the social responsibility of celebrities. In particular, it has been pointed out that famous celebrities like Haein should consider the impact of their words and approach issues from a broader perspective. Given that this National Assembly hearing could have been an important opportunity to publicize the structural problems in the entertainment industry, some fans and netizens argue that Haein should have addressed a wider range of issues.

Haein's non-Korean nationality also drew attention from some netizens. Regarding this, Cap argued that "if someone who isn't Korean speaks extensively about their personal experiences at a National Assembly hearing, it will be hard for the public to accept positively," claiming that as a foreign celebrity, she should be more cautious about her statements within Korean society.

Cap's Harsh Words, Social Impact

Following Cap's statement, various reactions have followed online. Those supporting his statement emphasize that because Haein has high public recognition, she should play a role in representing various issues within the entertainment industry at important events like the National Assembly hearing. On the other hand, there are also opinions that Haein's testimony was related to her own team's experiences and that there was a need to honestly share these problems.

This controversy is expected to further fuel discussions about structural problems within the entertainment industry and the social responsibility of celebrities. Haein's testimony and Cap's criticism show that the entertainment industry is being asked to play a role that extends beyond simple entertainment and includes providing a social voice.