Did NewJeans Refuse Collaboration with ZB1 to Safeguard the Boy Group’s Image?

NewJeans Declines Collaboration to Protect Fellow Artists

On November 25, a compelling thread emerged on the Korean forum “theqoo,”detailing the decision by K-pop group NewJeans to forego a much-anticipated collaboration with ZB1 (ZEROBASEONE). The discussions surrounding this topic quickly garnered over 33,000 views, underscoring the community’s interest and concern.

According to a report on Naver, the planned performance at the upcoming 2024 Korea Grand Music Awards (2024 KGMA) fell apart due to unexpected circumstances. The source cited concerns about a recent music industry report by HYBE, which had made negative comparisons involving various K-pop artists, including members of the globally popular BLACKPINK and several fourth-generation groups.

In a distinctive show of solidarity, NewJeans, who have faced their own challenges stemming from the report, decided against collaborating with ZB1. They feared that ZB1 might suffer further backlash if the performance proceeded, leading to their choice to prioritize the welfare of their peers.

This news struck a chord with netizens, many of whom expressed their support for NewJeans and criticized HYBE for what they termed “unethical strategies.”Here are some of the comments shared online:

I hope HYBE collapses under its own weight!
HYBE stands apart from other agencies. It’s heartbreaking to see these young artists suffer because of this company.
NewJeans, keep fighting!
I wish NewJeans could safely part ways with HYBE.
NewJeans remains incredibly admirable!
It’s regretful that the collaboration didn’t materialize, but their integrity is commendable.

This incident highlights the current dynamic within the K-pop industry and raises questions about artist collaborations in light of external pressures and the impact of management decisions. With an increasingly aware fanbase, the call for ethical practices in the music industry continues to grow.

For further details, you can view the original discussion on theqoo.

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