A current dispute has sparked in the Korean entertainment realm, surrounding accusations that a journalist was paid by HYBE to orchestrate a negative publicity campaign against the girl group NewJeans. The matter was revealed on May 16 through a post on the well-known Korean forum “theqoo.”
The article claims that reporter Kim Ye-rang has been consistently publishing pieces in defense of Dahn World, a religious organization under suspicion for its alleged ties to HYBE.
Similarly, Kim Ye-rang has been held accountable for various unflattering pieces about NewJeans, revisiting previous scandals like the “kalguksu issue.”
Kim Ye-rang’s reporting has been consistently criticized for displaying a bias in favor of HYBE, especially during the HYBE-ADOR feud.
Due to her articles frequently featuring only HYBE’s statements, she has been accused of unfair reporting and of potentially receiving financial incentives from HYBE to discredit NewJeans.
The exploration of an Identity Crisis.
The allegations have caused a considerable backlash from internet users, who have expressed their suspicions and anger on “theqoo.”
- “Such transparent actions…”
- “Just how much did HYBE pay to take NewJeans down?”
- “HYBE’s attempts at a smear campaign are extremely blatant at this point.”
- “Defending a cult but mocking teenage girls?”
- “What’s wrong with this reporter?”
- “When are you going to sue HYBE”
- “HYBE is really creepy”
The comments indicate an increasing lack of trust towards both the reporter and HYBE, with numerous fans and onlookers raising doubts about the accuracy of the reporting and the underlying intentions.
This dispute raises larger concerns regarding media morality and the impact of influential entertainment corporations in South Korea. If the accusations are valid, it implies a concerning situation where financial motives can manipulate media portrayals, potentially damaging the reputations of individuals and distorting public opinion.
At the same time, NewJeans is being accused of imitating the veteran Japanese girl group SPEED in their debut music video “Attention.”This dispute comes after ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin had previously claimed that HYBE and BELIFT Lab had copied NewJeans’ concept for ILLIT’s debut.
On April 23, 2024, allegations against NewJeans were brought to light by netizens who pointed out similarities between their video for “Attention”and SPEED’s 1996 video “Body & Soul,”such as the settings and styling.
Despite facing criticism for her previous accusations of plagiarism towards other groups, Min Hee Jin, who has been accused of being influenced by SPEED herself, has not deterred NewJeans from preparing for their comeback and debut in Japan.
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