ENHYPEN Ni-Ki sparks backlash against BELIFT LAB over harsh trainee conditions
ENHYPEN’s Ni-Ki is facing attention after revealing on Weverse live that he hasn’t been able to return home since before I-LAND, the survival show that formed the group.
Ni-Ki said it’s been so long since he last saw his bedroom, he isn’t even sure if it still exists.
His father responded on social media with a heartfelt post, sharing a photo of Ni-Ki’s dog Bisco and assuring him his room is still there.
Fans quickly condemned BELIFT LAB, accusing the label of “abuse” for overworking Ni-Ki to the point he can’t visit home.
“ni-ki’s dad IG story makes me SOBBB ” – fan account @allforchulsoo
“ni-ki, you still have a room in your home, please come any time ”
Ni-Ki moved alone from Japan to South Korea at age 13 in 2019 to train under BELIFT LAB. I-LAND aired in mid-2020 when Ni-Ki was 14. It’s now been roughly five to six years since he last visited home in Japan.
Despite multiple trips to Japan for concerts and events, fans say Ni-Ki hasn’t had enough time to spend with family.
“so is this not abuse?” – @leehyeinified
“’please come anytime’ oh FUCK YOU @BELIFTLAB” – @onenabnk
Back in 2021, Ni-Ki broke down during ENHYPEN’s EN-CONNECT: Companion fanmeeting, openly admitting how much he missed his family amid strict COVID-19 travel restrictions.
“because of the situation that even if i want to meet my family i can’t…there are many days when i just endured it by myself without telling the members but now that engenes are in front of me, i just miss my family so much” – Ni-Ki during 2021 fanmeeting
This controversy adds to HYBE Labels’ ongoing scrutiny this month. Just weeks ago, TXT’s Soobin revealed he suffered physical abuse as a BIGHIT trainee, sparking heated debates among fans about HYBE’s treatment of trainees and artists.
Fans continue to demand answers from BELIFT LAB amid rising concern over artist well-being. No official statement has been issued yet.
