NewJeans' Return Plans Spark Controversy
After releasing a special video to celebrate their fourth debut anniversary, NewJeans has seemingly begun preparing for a return. However, one Korean media outlet has argued that the group should apologize before attempting a comeback.
The opinion piece, published by Sports Seoul reporter Lee Seung Rok on July 26, claimed that while NewJeans had become one of K-Pop's biggest global acts, their success was built with the support of ADOR, HYBE, and the wider K-Pop industry. It criticized the members for making comments that it said undermined the industry while continuing to benefit from it.
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The article argued that the group's interview with TIME, where they discussed the problems within the K-Pop industry, was particularly damaging. NewJeans had stated that they never expected the issues to change overnight and that 'this is the reality in Korea,' suggesting a level of acceptance rather than activism for change.
The opinion piece also brought up the group's comments about feeling like Korea wanted to make them 'revolutionaries.' The article claimed that this statement effectively condemned not only the country but the K-pop system as a whole. It pointed out that other artists, such as Hanni, were hurt during the dispute and that NewJeans had never addressed those comments or explained them despite continuing legal proceedings.
The controversy surrounding NewJeans' return plans has sparked a heated debate within the K-Pop community. While some fans have defended the group's right to return without apologizing, others have called for the members to take responsibility for their actions and make amends before attempting a comeback.
