NewJeans Speaks Out: The Struggle Behind the Glamour

NewJeans, the rising K-pop sensation, has openly discussed their challenges and the reasons behind their recent legal actions in an interview with BBC News Korea. Contrary to expectations, their use of international media to voice their concerns has sparked mixed reactions.

In the interview, conducted before and after the injunction filed by their agency, the members emphasized that their decisions were made after thorough internal discussions. Hanni addressed the speculation about external influence, stating, "It feels like people underestimate our ability to handle these issues just because we're young. We always say, 'If even one member disagrees, we won't do it.' Every decision required unanimous agreement among us five."

Danielle shared the emotional toll, saying, "In 2024, I tried to suppress my feelings and ignore what was happening around me, but it reached a breaking point. That's why we chose legal action." Despite their efforts, the court ruled in favor of their agency, leaving the group shocked. Danielle expressed their desire to continue their work without interference, lies, or misunderstandings.

Hyein highlighted the misconceptions about their freedom, noting, "Some think we can do and say whatever we want because we're famous. We've endured a lot before speaking out, but the situation isn't turning in our favor socially." Hanni added, "Our biggest fear is not being able to continue. We never imagined facing such challenges when we were trainees two years ago."

This marks the second time NewJeans has used international media to share their stance post-ruling, following an interview with TIME where they expressed disappointment with the court's decision, suggesting it reflects Korea's reality. Their comments, especially about being turned into revolutionaries, have stirred controversy.

While NewJeans has the right to critique the K-pop system, their arguments, seen as weak by some, have inadvertently provided ammunition for critics of K-pop, highlighting the industry's harsh training and privacy controls. Their approach has led to unintended backlash, complicating their public relations strategy.