Experts Weigh In On Whether NewJeans Should Apologize, Triggers Divided Response
On December 29, ADOR announced the termination of NewJeans Danielle’s exclusive contract. With this, many wonder if they will continue activities as a three-member or four-member group. With the return of Hanni confirmed, it will most likely depend on Minji’s decision.
However, despite their return, the music industry remains skeptical. Analysts predict that Minji’s return is unlikely to guarantee a complete revival of the group, as the damage to their image and the public trust they’ve lost over the year would not be easily recovered.
The biggest issue is that the public’s perception of NewJeans has shifted. Their recent disputes have diluted the initial pure and innocent image from their debut. This stems from their attempt to leave the agency, prioritizing their “personal bond” with Min Hee Jin over the obligations of their contract.
This negatively impacted them, with even the court’s ruling validating their exclusive contracts. As a result, they have become known as “irresponsible idols” not only within the fandom but also to the general public.
The public is also criticizing their actions for reversing their previous stance and reverting to ADOR without offering an apology for the harm done to other groups. The industry feels that returning to activities without a proper apology will be impossible to restore their damaged image.
However, netizens had divided opinions regarding making an apology.
- “Please, why should they apologize? Why are they trying to switch up the angle?”
- “HYBE needs to apologize to ADOR.”
- “Must be nice to have people still protecting you even with all this going on.”
- “ADOR will take care of it internally.”
- “Why should HYBE apologize when they are the victims…those psychopath bunnies.”
- “Hanni, you need to make a national apology.”
- “How can they return if they don’t apologize? Are they the only ones in this industry?”
- “But it’s true that they caused damage to other groups.”
- “They should apologize…what are you going to do about ILLIT and the manager?”
