NewJeans vs. HYBE: K-pop Memorial Ribbon Controversy Explained

In a recent controversy, the K-pop group NewJeans accused their management company, HYBE, of preventing them from wearing memorial ribbons. This incident occurred during a performance following the tragic Jeju Air incident in December 2022. The situation has sparked a heated debate about the treatment of artists in the entertainment industry.

HYBE quickly denied NewJeans’ allegations, stating that the claims were "not true." They emphasized that there was no reason to stop their artists from wearing memorial ribbons. This denial came amid growing scrutiny of how HYBE manages NewJeans and other K-pop artists.

Tensions rose during a court session on the morning of the 7th. Members of NewJeans attended to present their stance against a request from their management company, ADOR, regarding their status and advertising contracts. During this hearing, NewJeans revealed they originally planned to wear memorial ribbons at a performance in Japan. However, HYBE advised them that this could cause issues with Japanese broadcasters. Later, NewJeans learned that there were no such concerns from the broadcasters, raising questions about HYBE’s decision-making.

Furthermore, NewJeans highlighted a perceived unequal treatment, adding to the conflict. They noted that other HYBE artists, such as IVE and LE SSERAFIM, were allowed to wear memorial ribbons at the same event. This led to accusations that NewJeans were unfairly targeted, sparking discussions about fairness and equality among artists managed by HYBE.

In response to the backlash, HYBE stated they are reviewing the situation for all their artists. They emphasized the need for prior coordination with broadcasters due to varying regulations in Japan. HYBE also mentioned their intention to provide memorial ribbons for NewJeans but respected the group’s decision to use a ribbon they prepared independently.

This ongoing controversy highlights not just the incident involving NewJeans but also broader questions about how HYBE and ADOR manage their artists during sensitive situations. As fans and the public closely watch this unfolding drama, the impact on relationships between artists and management remains to be seen. The dynamics within the K-pop industry are under scrutiny, especially regarding artist rights and management practices.

Key Points:

• NewJeans accused HYBE of preventing them from wearing memorial ribbons.
• The controversy follows the tragic Jeju Air incident in December 2022.
• NewJeans highlighted unequal treatment compared to other HYBE artists.
• HYBE is reviewing their policies regarding artist management and memorial tributes.

This article has been written by Kpopmap AI writer and while we have made efforts to ensure the accuracy of the article, there may be errors or inaccuracies.