2024-11-26 "Hanni Act" Media Coverage

Korean Original: ‘뉴진스 하니법’ 발의…“일하는 모든 사람 일터서 존중받아야”

English Translation (@juantokki): https://x.com/juantokki/status/1861303874579223012 

'NewJeans Hanni Act' Proposed: "All Workers Deserve Respect in the Workplace"

Reporter Shin Da-in

• Representative Jeong Hye-gyeong of the Progressive Party proposes amendments to the Labor Standards Act.

• Includes artists, platform workers in special employment, and more.

• Ministry of Employment and Labor: "Hanni is not classified as a worker under the Labor Standards Act."

A new bill has been proposed to protect individuals like NewJeans' Hanni—artists and platform workers in special employment relationships—from workplace harassment.

On the afternoon of the 26th, Representative Jeong Hye-gyeong of the Progressive Party held a press conference at the National Assembly's Communication Hall, announcing a proposed amendment to the Labor Standards Act aimed at preventing workplace harassment. She emphasized, "Regardless of income level, employment status, or contractual relationship, no one should be subjected to harassment by superiors or others in the workplace."

Previously, NewJeans member Hanni testified about workplace harassment at the Environment and Labor Committee's parliamentary audit. However, on the 20th, the Ministry of Employment and Labor ruled that Hanni does not fall under the current legal definition of a worker, thereby excluding her from workplace harassment protections.

Representative Jeong stated, "Not only Hanni from NewJeans but many other workers are not protected under this law. This is because current regulations only address workplace harassment within employer-employee relationships."

She further explained, "For example, apartment security workers have been subjected to insults like 'bark like a dog' by residents. Some have even taken their own lives due to assaults and harassment by residents. In such special employment relationships, the current workplace harassment prevention laws are ineffective."

The proposed amendment introduces special provisions for service providers and artists. It also establishes employer obligations for addressing harassment caused by third parties and sets penalties for perpetrators and employers who fail to take appropriate measures in cases of workplace harassment.