The investigation of workplace bullying against NewJeans Hanni has now taken an unexpected turn. During the National Assembly, HYBE is facing more accusations of covering up the death of its employee. So, what really happened in the controversy, and where is HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk during this crucial time? Let’s find out more in the detailed report below.
HYBE Faces More Controversy: Accusation of Covering Up the Death of an Employee
The Korean National Assembly trial is heating up after NewJeans Hanni brilliantly delivered her explanation and alleged evidence on workplace bullying at HYBE. And yet, it was not the only thing that caught the public’s attention.
Apparently, at the National Assembly trial, HYBE has been accused of covering up the death of an employee, creating another massive controversy against the company.
On October 15, Korean media outlet Edaily reported that the National Assembly trial had exposed the death of a HYBE employee. This incident occurred around 2 years ago, in September 2022.
A representative from the Korean Progressive Party, Jeong Hye Kyung, started questioning HYBE-appointed ADOR CEO Kim Ju Young. The CEO attended this trial as a part of a state audit, discussing workplace bullying.
At the National Assembly trial, Rep. Jeong Hye Kyung questioned Kim Ju Young on the death of a HYBE employee.
“I received reports that in June 2022, an employee collapsed while working in the office and was taken to a hospital, where they later passed away. Is this true?”
Rep. Jeong Hye Kyung.
And yet, HYBE-appointed ADOR CEO Kim Ju Young denied the controversy that the death of the employee is related to the company.
“In September 2022, the employee went to the office rest area around 5 PM, saying they needed rest.
Unfortunately, they were later found unconscious and transported to the hospital, where they passed away a few days later due to a personal illness.
It was a tragic incident.”
ADOR CEO Kim Ju Young.
What REALLY Happened?
According to Rep. Jeong Hye Kyung, the cause of death of this HYBE employee has been suspected as due to overworking.
Back then, HYBE expanded its subsidiaries, managed multiple idol groups, and handled overseas schedules. Hence, it led to situations where employees worked relentlessly, day and night.
However, after cheking with Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service, there was no industrial accident claim filed. Therefore, Rep. Jeong Hye Kyung accused HYBE of having covered everything up.
“While you say it was due to a personal illness, this should have been properly investigated. It appears to us to be a case of overwork-related death.
Are you trying to cover it up?”
Rep. Jeong Hye Kyung.
ADOR CEO Kim Ju Young immediately denied this statement.
“HYBE would never cover up anything.”
ADOR CEO Kim Ju Young.
And yet, since they did not conduct an autopsy because of the decision from the victim’s family, the representative continues accusing HYBE of covering up this controversy.
“Yes, cover-ups happen that way. Reaching an agreement with the bereaved family can result in a cover-up.
Please verify the full case details and provide us with the relevant documentation.”
Rep. Jeong Hye Kyung.
2022년 9월경 하이브 직원이 사무실에서 일하다 과로사로 쓰러져 사망한 은폐 사건이 국정감사에서 밝혀짐 pic.twitter.com/SLBVXlAMKW
— 🐰 (@dkrehrehRl) October 15, 2024
ADOR CEO Kim Ju Young Faces Harsh Accusation at National Assembly – Where is HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk?
Finally, while ADOR CEO Kim Ju Young is answering the harsh accusation of HYBE employee death controversy, where is Chairman Bang Si Hyuk at this crucial time?
During the National Assembly trial, the Democratic Party Representative Park Hong Bae highlighted the absence of HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk.
“Today, HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk isn’t here at the hearing despite all the controversy around this issue.
Please note that this isn’t the time to be relaxing in the U.S.
Chairman Bang Si Hyuk, who’s been caught up in controversy more than once, really needs to step up and take this situation seriously.”
Rep. Park Hong Bae.
민주당 박홍배의원 말씀 잘하시네
— 🅻🅰🆈🅾🆅🅴🆁나무 (@i1l_iliiolkll1l) October 15, 2024
방시혁에게 일침
쫌 처듣길 바랍니다 pic.twitter.com/WwPDxhdbbE
Previously, HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk had been caught in footage strolling around Beverly Hills with Afreeca TV BJ Juice Seyeon. This has resulted in massive controversy, especially knowing that HYBE had immediately taken down the post discussing his encounter.
While ADOR CEO Kim Ju Young is facing harsh criticism for covering up HYBE employee death, Chairman Bang Si Hyuk is nowhere to be seen during this crucial time.
So, what do you think about this issue? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Source: Edaily, X.
