Following a Seoul court’s recent decision that restricts NewJeans from pursuing independent activities without ADOR, the group’s interview with TIME magazine is igniting intense discussion across Korea both online and offline.
In the interview published on March 22 (local time), NewJeans expressed frustration over the current state of the K-pop industry and their legal battle. The group stated, “Maybe this is just the current reality in Korea. But that’s exactly why we believe change and growth are necessary. It almost feels like Korea wants to turn us into revolutionaries.”
While international fans praised their candid stance, reactions in Korea have been far more complicated. In particular, among the most notable critics is lawyer Go Sang-rok, a former member of the elite law firm Kim & Chang and someone who previously voiced support for NewJeans during the group’s earlier public struggles. This time, however, he didn’t hold back.
“If you take such a confrontational tone right after the court’s decision, it will be difficult to avoid criticism such as, ‘Are they confronting the industry’s or the company’s injustices by lying, attacking colleagues, and demonizing the other party?’,” Go said, adding, “As someone who has gained the opportunity to benefit from a system built through the efforts of countless people. If you want to reform this system, you have to respect the basics.”
The lawyer also criticized, “At first, they sided with Min Hee-jin to attack the parent company, other labels, and their artists. Now, they are denying the industry itself, disregarding even the court’s decision, and going as far as making anti-Korean remarks, portraying Korea as a pathetic society. If it comes to this, what will they (NewJeans) do next?”
Finally, he concluded, “Now it’s time to wake up from the dream. I just want to believe that this (NewJeans’ statement) was a mistake made in a hastily conducted interview before having the chance to regroup and organize thoughts after the court’s decision. I hope that, at the very least, the necessary boundaries are maintained so that people, including myself, can offer help.”
Online reactions were equally divided, with some netizens finding NewJeans’ remark to be going too far, and others still defending the group. Below are some comments from netizens:
- Calling Korea ‘backward’ on an international platform is crossing the line
- So disappointing. This is bigger than a contract dispute now.
- They’re young and just being honest. Why can’t they speak their truth?
- People are focusing on tone instead of the real issues they’re raising.
The legal dispute centers around ADOR’s request to prohibit the members from entering into ad deals and musical activities outside the agency. The Seoul Central District Court sided with ADOR, restricting the group from bypassing the label, though the ruling only stands until a final decision is made on the contract’s validity. In response, NewJeans stated through their NJZ account, stating that while they respect the court’s decision, they plan on filing an objection.