NJZ’s (NewJeans) Controversial BBC Interview’s Comments And Stats Sparks Suspicion

Netizens from all sides were confused.

This article is part of our coverage of HYBE vs. ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin. You can read more and view the entire timeline here.

The state of NJZ‘s (NewJeans) BBC interview has sparked confusion.

On March 26, NJZ sat down and did an interview with the BBC.

The video was met with criticism from Korean netizens on the forum theqoo.

NJZ (NewJeans) Hit With Scathing Criticism For New BBC Interview

Yet, netizens found the stats on the video confusing. In particular, while it didn’t have as many views as other videos on the account, the comments were in the tens of thousands. Many found the way the messages read and the amount suspicious, with some believing the majority of negative comments came from bots.

Yet, on theqoo, netizens believed that the BBC had deleted comments against the members, linking to the comment from the outlet saying that slander or hate would be deleted. Although netizens thought deleting hate was good, many were confused that criticism was being deleted.

• “Criticizing a celebrity for not following the law—is that considered hate comments now?”
• “Sigh.”
• “LOL, are they managing the comments now? LOL, what is this, a personal YouTube channel? Deleting perfectly reasonable criticism… What a mess. LOL.”
• “Is BBC Korea part of Team Bunnies or something? They’re just doing whatever they want.”
• “Of course, deleting extreme hate comments makes sense. But constructive criticism could actually help NewJeans in the long run…”