Are NewJeans Being Used as a “Shield” Amid BTS’s Jungkook Political Controversy?
On June 13, blurry images surfaced online that appeared to show members of NewJeans at a club. Despite the unclear visuals, netizens were quick to identify one figure as Danielle, accompanied by a woman believed to be her sister. The incident sparked immediate backlash, with critics questioning the group’s behavior during a period of intense legal conflict with their label, HYBE.
The controversy comes just as the Seoul court issued a ban preventing NewJeans from conducting independent activities, legally affirming ADOR’s exclusive management rights. HYBE has accused ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin of manipulating the group, escalating a corporate power struggle that has gripped the K-pop industry for over a year. NewJeans, once seen as passive victims in the dispute, are now directly involved after they unilaterally terminated their contract—risking immense financial penalties.
Fans Defend NewJeans, Say Viral Image Is Misleading
Soon after the images went viral on X (formerly Twitter), international fans stepped in to challenge the narrative. Several pointed out that the photos weren’t taken at a club but were likely from G-Dragon’s album release party back in February, which NewJeans attended. Others noted that Danielle wore the same outfit in a previous photo with members of the music group Emotional Oranges—who have professional ties to her sister.
These arguments cast doubt on the claim that the members were casually partying during their legal turmoil. Instead, many believe the timing of the photo leak may have been orchestrated to stir controversy.
HYBE Accused of Using NewJeans to Distract from Jung Kook Hat Scandal
Adding fuel to the fire, some NewJeans fans believe the group is being used as a media scapegoat to divert attention from a separate BTS controversy. On the same day as the image leak, BTS’s Jungkook sparked global backlash for wearing a hat featuring a politically sensitive message during J-hope’s concert—his first public stage appearance since enlistment.
Though Jungkook quickly issued an apology and took full responsibility, public criticism has persisted. Fans of NewJeans now suspect that HYBE may be attempting to redirect media scrutiny away from the BTS member by allowing a new controversy involving NewJeans to gain traction.
Jung Kook’s History with NewJeans Adds Complexity
The theory holds more weight given Jungkook’s prior show of support for NewJeans. He has publicly praised the group, joined their dance challenges, and even posted five heart emojis—hinting at the group’s lineup—on his dog’s Instagram account during the height of HYBE and ADOR’s feud. That post also included the message, “Artists are not guilty,” which many interpreted as his quiet show of solidarity with the girl group.
Not everyone agrees with this theory. BTS’s fandom, ARMY, has pushed back strongly against the idea, arguing there is no concrete evidence that HYBE deliberately leaked the photo to protect Jung Kook. As of now, there’s no confirmed proof that NewJeans were clubbing or that HYBE orchestrated the narrative shift.
