“Mentioning Idols That Passed Away” — Controversial News Report About NJZ (NewJeans) Sparks Fury

“Refrain from using Moonbin, Sulli, Hara!! it is incredibly insensitive…”

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.

A controversial news report about NJZ and the ongoing feud with ADOR has sparked major anger from netizens.

Last month, NBC News shared a video on NJZ.

In the video, the outlet discussed different aspects of the ongoing feud, including the members announcing the hiatus, the labor ministry’s statement that “stars aren’t even considered workers,” and recent court rulings.

In particular, the news outlet referred to the “dark side” of K-Pop, showing photos of ASTRO‘s Moonbin, Sulli, and Goo Hara, adding, “Artists taking their own lives.”

The video sparked major fury. The comments were full of netizens explaining how the outlet did no research and was biased, with fury about Moonbin, Sulli, and Goo Hara being mentioned.

The video was recently shared on a Korean forum and sparked similar anger. Some hated the insensitive mention of other idols, while others thought it was a way for Western outlets that don’t acknowledge K-Pop to find criticism, which could impact other idols, not just those from HYBE.

• “What did K-pop ever do to you, NewJeans?”
• “They were a group that should never have existed.”
• “To Western media that doesn’t want to acknowledge K-pop, this must be the perfect target to tear down. Ugh, seriously… NewJeans…;;”
• “Using the deceased and insulting a country—this really crossed the line.”
• “If stuff like that airs, it won’t just hurt HYBE idols but also idols from other agencies.”

You can watch the video below.