NewJeans Receives Mixed Reactions for Frequently Speaking in English + Bunnies Defend Group
Mixed reactions were drawn to NewJeans after some netizens noticed their frequent use of the English language.
Here's what happened.
NewJeans Members Called Out for Speaking English Frequently, Bunnies Defend Group
On October 22, an online community post titled, "I honestly wish that the NewJeans members would stop speaking English" was made.
In the post, the caption clarified the original author identified as a Bunny, who is an avid fan of NewJeans. However, the OP pointed out NewJeans' frequent use of the English language in their videos, broadcasts, and music as well. It stated:
"Everything aside, I really like all the members of NewJeans. I'm obsessed with their songs and I'm also a big fan.
But nowadays, NewJeans noticeably uses English a lot. Minji, Danielle, and Hanni just speak in English between themselves, and while I understand that international fans are thankful for this, I feel like K-idols are losing their identity.
NewJeans' songs also have more English lyrics than Korean lyrics, and because those three members always speak English, it's just a bit sad."
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Meanwhile, OP also recounted a livestream from NewJeans, where youngest member Hyein reportedly expressed her thoughts on her members talking in English all day.
"Lately, there was this controversial (?) live broadcast where Hyein was both half-joking and half-serious, saying how the members would converse in English between themselves all day long and that she couldn't stand hearing it anymore.
Minji seems to accommodate the foreign members, but I just wish that Hanni and Danielle would speak in Korean more."
(Two Australians who started to speak in English)
The post received negative reactions from K-netz, who called out the OP for bringing out "forced hate" on the group.
- "So now, they're also getting hate for speaking English. It seems like pann girls will be in trouble if they fail to hate on female idols for a day."
- "If it makes you uncomfortable, then don't watch their videos. They speak lots of Korean on many occasions, so why are you making a fuss?"
- "What kind of bulls**t is this? The forced hate is severe."
However, in a separate thread, international Bunnies seemed to back up the OP's thoughts. Some netizens pointed out the language barrier between idols and fans, while others stated it's better that members should consider reading the room when it comes to language.
- "Actually, I get what OP is trying to say. As a fan, I have no problem watching videos with subtitles, because I know I'm consuming Korean content at the end of the day."
- "Okay, but I get it. If it's a live with just the English-speaking members, then speaking in English is just fine. But if there's a member who doesn't speak or understand English, then it's respectful to speak Korean so all members can equally participate."
- "If you never experienced that awkward feeling of not being able to understand a language everyone uses around you, you won't understand, so I feel bad for Hyein."
What are your thoughts on their discussion? Let us know in the comments below!
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