Shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean apologizes for executive’s smiling selfie with NewJeans’ Hanni at worker deaths hearing

According to the Korea JoongAng DailyHanwha Ocean released a statement on Oct. 15, saying: “We deeply apologize to the public, the National Assembly and the bereaved families for the inappropriate behavior of our executive.”

“The actions of our executive, who was attending the National Assembly audit as a witness due to a traffic accident at the plant, were highly inappropriate,” the company added.

The apology followed an incident earlier the same day when Jung, while waiting to testify about fatal industrial accidents at domestic shipyards, was seen smiling as he took a selfie with Hanni, who was seated behind him. The moment was captured on camera and quickly sparked public outrage due to the insensitive timing and location.

Jung attended the hearing as head of Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje shipyard. Meanwhile, Hanni was present to testify about workplace harassment allegations she raised against HYBE, the parent company of NewJeans’ management agency ADOR the previous month.

The Korea Times reported that Rep. Kim Tae Seon, a first-term lawmaker from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), condemned Jung’s behavior.

“While people are dying, he is taking selfies,” Kim remarked. “I didn’t know what attitude he would bring to this audit, but now it’s clear from his behavior.”

Another DPK lawmaker, Rep. Park Hong Bae, expressed similar disapproval, stating: “You are not here for something positive. Why are you smiling and taking selfies?”

Public backlash intensified after the image of the selfie circulated online.

“Was Hanni called in just to take pictures with politicians?” one netizen questioned.

“We must not waste the National Assembly’s inspection session like this,” another commented. “There are numerous important issues that should be highlighted during the audit, but Hanni’s appearance overshadowed everything else.”

Additionally, Rep. Choi Min Hee of the DPK was also criticized after being spotted filming Hanni with her phone as the singer entered the National Assembly building. Reports suggest Choi later tried to meet the K-pop star privately, which further fueled public criticism.

Vietnamese-Australian singer Hanni, 20, was previously a member of the Aemina Dance Crew in Melbourne, which covers K-pop choreography from groups like Red Velvet and ITZY.

In July 2021, she gained attention after appearing in the music video for K-pop supergroup BTS’s hit “Permission to Dance.”

She debuted as a member of NewJeans in July 2022. NewJeans is managed by ADOR, a label within the HYBE group, which also manages global sensation BTS.