“Why Avoiding an Answer?” — K-netizens Accuse HYBE of Manipulating BTS’ Jungkook’s Instagram Posts on NewJeans

BTS’ Jeon Jungkook created quite a buzz online after he shared a post regarding NewJeans on his pet dog, Bam’s Instagram account, on September 14, 2024. The first post featured the caption, “Artists are not guilty,”while the second read, “Don’t use them.”According to a report from the South Korean media outlet Edaily, HYBE confirmed later that day that Jungkook aimed to request Min Hee-jin to refrain from utilizing NewJeans in discussions.

“We have confirmed that he posted it because he thought that under no circumstances should a young artist be dragged into a dispute and used as a shield.”

However, it was reported by Yonhap News TV (YTN) that BIGHIT MUSIC chose not to comment on whether the BTS idol specifically used the term “shield.”This information went viral on the Korean internet forum, TheQoo, where netizens accused HYBE of allegedly distorting Jungkook’s statement.

One user remarked,

“If what Jungkook said was true, you would have said yes right away. Is there any reason to avoid answering?”

A netizen commented on TheQoo. (Image via screenshot/TheQoo)

Since September 14, 2024, online users have been actively discussing this situation. While several non-fans praised Jungkook for his support of young artists, others expressed their disappointment in HYBE’s response.

“It’s common for companies to address such issues carefully, especially when it involves high-profile figures. As for Jungkook’s support for NewJeans, it’s natural for fans to speculate about the reasons behind it, but HYBE’s response is likely just a precautionary measure to maintain harmony within their roster,”a netizen said.

“Hope for transparent and respectful dialogue to keep things positive and focused on what truly matters,”one other netizen commented.

“HYBE really acting like they need a whole investigation just to confirm Jungkook supporting NewJeans—like he doesn’t know how things work there already!”another netizen added.

Netizens also accused HYBE of allegedly attempting to “silence their artists,”with some noting that only the SEVEN singer understands the true intent behind his post.

“It clearly shows that HYBE is trying to silence their artists who come to support NewJeans, even trying to silence the biggest artist (Jungkook). JK fans should see it,”another netizen wrote on X.

“The best thing for JK is just to stay out of all this mess, because he’s only being kind to his juniors and sending love but they are really making it a big deal!!!”one netizen stated.

“Well, there is only one person that knows what they meant, and that is Jungkook himself. The madness needs to stop,”another netizen wrote.

BTS’ Jungkook Allegedly Targeted by Some HYBE Employees for Supporting NewJeans

Recently, several screenshots have emerged displaying HYBE employees allegedly disparaging the BTS singer for his support of NewJeans. These posts and comments originated from the verified HYBE workers’ anonymous chat platform, BLIND.

The purported comments from HYBE employees showed their dissatisfaction with Jungkook’s Instagram posts, with some mocking him as a “thick-headed”or “stubborn”individual for his support of NewJeans. Others criticized him for mistreating company staff.

Fans of the BTS idol expressed their outrage upon seeing these comments and called for the immediate removal of those employees who exhibited unethical and unprofessional behavior by degrading the BTS singer.

In related news, the SEVEN singer’s upcoming documentary film, I AM STILL, is set to be released internationally in theaters on September 18, 2024. Additionally, he is currently serving in the Republic of Korea Army (R.O.K.A.), with an expected discharge in June 2025, when he will reunite with members Taehyung, RM, Suga, and Jimin.

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