On May 31, KBS's Music Bank became the center of a heated debate in the K-pop community. NewJeans, nominated against aespa, took home first place with their hit song "How Sweet."
However, the group's celebration was marred by accusations of disrespect towards LE SSERAFIM's Eunchae, who is also an MC for the show.
During the acceptance speech, Eunchae was seen checking to see if NewJeans had finished speaking after a prolonged silence.
Just as she began to speak, Danielle from NewJeans interrupted to thank ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin. The camera then switched back to Eunchae, leading many to perceive this as a deliberate slight.
NewJeans’ member Danielle gained attention during their Music Bank win for directly mentioning ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin amid the ongoing HYBE feud. #NewJeans #MusicBankWin #MinHeeJin #HYBE #ADOR https://t.co/MeXpOEHVEi
— KpopStarz (@kpopstarz) May 31, 2024
The incident has sparked a debate, with fans taking to social media to voice their opinions. Many believe that NewJeans intentionally disrespected Eunchae, especially given the ongoing legal tensions between ADOR and HYBE, involving Min Hee Jin's targeting of LE SSERAFIM.
Oh I'm really starting to dislike these girls because why would you even do this??pic.twitter.com/2ocyU0iTO5
— ηєνα ρℓαу with Nabi (@busanbreeeze) May 31, 2024
The first girl already thanked MHJ so the blonde one interrupting Eunchae to say it again is very... well https://t.co/Zuo74dnDfe
— oomfenshmirtz (@o_biennis) May 31, 2024
I wish nothing but the worst for Newjeans and their psycho CEO. Cutting Eunchae off just like that and then proceeding to thank that btch who caused a lot of pain to Le Sserafim BTS Illit right in front of her. Mocking the whole situation when you should be ashamed! Nah fvck off! https://t.co/UHPhiI6qMw
— MoiseslovesBTS 🇪🇸 🇪🇨 (@mb130) May 31, 2024
Conversely, a significant portion of the fanbase is defending NewJeans, suggesting the interruption was accidental. They point to the previous week's episode of Music Bank, where Eunchae and NewJeans shared a light-hearted interaction, as evidence that there is no ill will between them. Some fans are even calling the backlash a "witch hunt."
y’all are pissing me off it’s neither of their faults… eunchae is doing her job (they have a final speech and then the winners do encore) and danielle also wanted to say more (it’s sad what she said for a lot of reasons but anyway) y’all need to get jobs… https://t.co/o7750Bx2RX
— bee ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ (@hyowifey) May 31, 2024
they spoke at the same time??? Yall are just looking for reasons to hate on them you miserable hoes and that downfall you all are praying for ain’t happening stay mad https://t.co/JdRtkej9J8
— @ (@jiurinaluv) May 31, 2024
people calling a young girl an evil bitch when she was literally just waiting for the applause to end so she could continue talking. they accidentally spoke over each other its not that deep you’re all crazy😭pic.twitter.com/a7CBLIebX5 https://t.co/EcU5laxkTA
— bitches love my monster season (@y0rhaunitA2) May 31, 2024
only posting what fits your narrative right? pic.twitter.com/q897oo9i89 https://t.co/fUTU2VHN94
— Now.. you sending 3️⃣ HOME (@mybluusky) May 31, 2024
As ADOR and HYBE continue their disputes, it appears their artists are becoming collateral damage in the conflict. The public scrutiny and fan wars are adding pressure on groups like NewJeans and LE SSERAFIM, making it challenging to navigate their public appearances without controversy.
The incident has left the K-pop community polarized. One fan commented, "It's clear that NewJeans had no intention of being disrespectful. This is being blown out of proportion." Another stated, "Considering the tension between ADOR and HYBE, this felt very pointed. NewJeans should have been more careful."
The debate over whether NewJeans disrespected Eunchae or if the outrage is an overreaction continues to rage on.
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KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Cassidy Jones.
