Japan Shows Favoritism to NewJeans, Leaving LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT in the Shadows

NewJeans Honors Victims at the 66th Japan Record Awards

At the recent 66th Japan Record Awards, the K-pop group NewJeans made a poignant statement by wearing black ribbons in remembrance of the victims of the devastating Jeju Air plane crash. This event also featured performances and appearances from other notable K-pop groups, including LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT.

Heightened Attention and Comparisons

The presence of NewJeans at the award ceremony has sparked significant discussion online. Observers, particularly netizens, have commented on the apparent disparity in treatment between NewJeans and the other performing groups, LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT. This conversation gained momentum on the Korean forum Pann Nate, where a post titled “The difference between NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM, and ILLIT’s positions in Japan” accumulated over 81,000 views.

Stage Dynamics and Broadcasting Focus

According to discussions surrounding the event, Japanese broadcasters appeared to prioritize NewJeans, positioning them at the center of the stage while relegating LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT to the sidelines. This has led to various reactions from fans and observers alike.

Netizens Weigh In

Many netizens shared their thoughts on this perceived favoritism, revealing a mix of surprise and insight into the competitive dynamics of the K-pop industry in Japan. Here are some of the noteworthy comments:

“Wow, there are no Japanese members in NewJeans, yet they receive such attention.”
“NewJeans won the main prize, suggesting that different treatment should be reserved for special prize winners. Plus, they have been nominated for two consecutive years, with ‘Ditto’ making history as the first foreign language song nominated in six decades.”
“This is quite shocking. I thought LE SSERAFIM, especially Sakura, would be more popular in Japan.”
“NewJeans seems to be adored wherever they perform.”
“What purpose do articles like this serve? There’s no need to bring other artists down.”

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