Park Chanyong Discusses NewJeans’ Bold Breakthrough During Surprise Live Event

“After watching NewJeans’ live stream, I realized this was truly their first breakthrough as artists. By ‘artist,’ I mean their ability to tell their own stories based on personal thoughts and reasoning, as well as their courage to face the inherent risks of this profession.

K-pop, or ‘idol content,’ is usually a meticulously planned and edited product. The level of detail in this process exceeds what many outsiders can imagine. If I hadn’t worked at Arena magazine from 2022 to 2024 and interacted with artists directly, I might not have understood this either. There’s a significant reason why industry insiders tend to remain silent about these realities.

In this context, NewJeans dared to speak out. They articulated the importance of Min Hee Jin — who mapped out a vision and shared it with them over time. In my observation, very few artists come up with such ideas independently, and to express them publicly is even rarer.

Don’t misunderstand me; I’m not belittling artists. In fact, what separates them from office workers or freelancers? How many individuals genuinely share their vision with their superiors or peers? Aside from vague aspirations like ‘wanting to get rich’ or ‘desiring a change,’ how many people actually possess a personal vision and determination? I believe Min Hee Jin has achieved something admirable by motivating, convincing, and mentoring these talented young women, guiding them toward a passion for their work.

The members of NewJeans didn’t just recognize that vision; they logically crafted their own narrative and boldly expressed it through a ‘surprise livestream.’ It’s unusual to witness the authentic side of an artist unless you’re a close friend or an insider. There’s no such thing as ‘unedited entertainment.’ Yet, in the opening moments of this video, they didn’t even speak. It captured the genuine emotions of these young artists—nervous and anxious.

I’ve always admired those who courageously tell their own stories, particularly when that narrative originates from a justified or admirable cause. The members of NewJeans are not merely kids; they have accomplished something many adults might shy away from, fully aware of the potential consequences. In my view, they have every right to take this stand.

Critics behind screens, those who see numbers and rules, and those who perceive lives as mere data points, often criticize NewJeans for their recklessness and mistakes. However, mistakes are present everywhere. I believe the idol industry has its flaws from the start, yet there are still individuals willing to endure hardships to create something meaningful.

This profession is unique, blending production, distribution, and service to create a product that captivates audiences. In this environment, things like academic achievement and background lose significance. If they mattered, Bang Sihyuk, a graduate of prestigious Seoul National University, would have flawlessly managed everything and composed perfect songs.

The true brilliance lies within each member of NewJeans. Their exceptional qualities are what have allowed these issues to endure. They even organized that live stream to create something extraordinary. Those behind this excellence earnestly proclaim their vision and aspirations for the future. I eagerly anticipate what more they will bring to the table.

In reality, idols are primarily performers in the K-pop industry. If we draw a parallel to film, idols are akin to actors. NewJeans once fit that mold—just performers.

But now, things have shifted. I believe that through that live video, NewJeans have effectively debuted as the directors of their own lives. Let’s be clear: standing before an audience, aware of potential criticism yet still daring to share their story, exemplifies extraordinary courage. I wholeheartedly support their determination and bravery.”

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