A netizen who left malicious comments about NewJeans member Hani has ultimately avoided punishment.
According to legal sources on the 27th, the Seoul Southern District Court’s Criminal Division 14 (Judge Kim Gil-ho) dismissed the charges against an individual identified as A for defamation. The dismissal means that the defendant will not be punished and the lawsuit is considered closed.
A was prosecuted for leaving a comment on an article about Hani last October, saying, "What’s this X talking all that nonsense? If you’re whining, what are you asking for help?"
At that time, Hani appeared as a witness at the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee’s audit, where she shared her experiences of being bullied in her agency, shedding tears. After seeing the related reports, A posted the controversial comment, and the prosecution handled it as a formal trial rather than a simple summary indictment. However, just before the verdict, A reached a settlement with Hani’s side, and the situation was concluded when Hani submitted a dismissal of charges.
Defamation is a complaint-driven offense, which requires the victim's complaint to proceed with prosecution; if the complaint is withdrawn, the charges are dismissed even if the trial is ongoing.
Meanwhile, the 'workplace bullying' controversy mentioned by Hani during the audit was not recognized in legal judgment. The Seoul Western District Prosecutor’s Office concluded the complaint case last November by stating, "It is difficult to view Hani as an employee under the Labor Standards Act." At that time, the prosecutor's office explained that, “Due to the nature of the management contract, Hani is closer to an independent contractor rather than an employee under the company's direction and supervision."