As legal tensions continue to rise between NewJeans and their label ADOR, a resurfaced video from the group’s recent press conference is stirring backlash, this time aimed squarely at the youngest member, Hyein.
Hyein’s Controversial Reaction
The controversy stems from a moment during the press event where a reporter corrected the group’s phrasing about their attempt to terminate their exclusive contract with ADOR. NewJeans had stated definitively that they “will terminate the contract”, but the reporter interjected, pointing out the phrasing should be “hope to terminate”, since the legal process had not been finalized at that point.
As the reporter clarified the legal nuance, Hyein’s reaction was caught on camera. The 15-year-old appeared visibly upset, crossing her arms and showing clear displeasure, while seated next to member Hanni, who subtly tried to calm her down.
Netizens’ Reactions
The brief exchange has since gone viral across Korean online communities, drawing a wave of criticism. On Pann, netizens are calling Hyein’s body language “arrogant” and “disrespectful,” while others claim that such on-camera behavior is starting to chip away at NewJeans’ once-wholesome public image.
Comments:
Um… what on earth made those kids so arrogant and indiscriminate? I liked the refreshing image of “Attention”… but that illusion was shattered… It looks like a divorced woman in her mid-40s is fighting with her arms crossed in a court case. What made it even more infuriating was Hanni touching her arm like she was telling her to calm downㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Oh my, this is so brutal… They really know how to be funny. The more they do live broadcasts or press conferences, the more their true colors are revealed…
The clip’s circulation comes at a particularly fragile time for NewJeans, who are locked in a legal dispute after the Seoul Central District Court sided with ADOR, granting an injunction that prevents the group from pursuing independent activities under the name NJZ.
As emotions run high and public scrutiny intensifies, fans and observers alike are debating how much pressure is fair to place on such young stars—and where professionalism must take precedence.
Whether Hyein’s reaction was an understandable display of stress or an avoidable misstep, one thing is clear: every moment counts under the spotlight, especially when legal battles and fandom trust are on the line.