NewJeans Fans Protest with Truck Rally, Criticizing Parents and Agency Amid Legal Dispute

A faction of NewJeans' fandom has staged a truck protest, criticizing the parents and adults surrounding the group with the message, "Why do adults hide and use children as shields?" This protest is in response to recent statements involving the minor member Hae-rin and her parents.

According to TenAsia, on the morning of the 7th, NewJeans fans gathered in front of the HYBE headquarters in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, urging dialogue between NewJeans and their agency, ADOR. This marks the second truck protest following one on the 27th of last month.

The protestors displayed messages such as, "Why mention a member's name in the explanation? Who's really bringing up family matters? Why do adults hide and use children as shields?", "Respecting children's opinions? Helping them down the wrong path isn't respect, it's neglect", "Can't you see the end of the lawsuit? Waking up and returning is victory", "A 'unique' fandom encouraging illegal acts should return to 'normal' following court rulings", and "Opposing the lawsuit leads to losing Bunnyz membership and parental rights".

The main issue highlighted by the protestors is the stance of NewJeans' parents regarding the ongoing lawsuit involving the minor member's parents. Previously, individuals claiming to be NewJeans' parents stated on social media, "The rumors about member Hae-rin are completely false. Both Hae-rin and her parents are united in their stance, and any speculation about their family matters is untrue. These baseless assumptions are causing severe mental stress to the member and her family."

They further stated, "The decision to adjust parental rights respecting the minor's wishes pertains to another member, and this family is also united in their stance. We request that speculation about their family matters be refrained from."

The statement's mention of 'Hae-rin' has drawn criticism for unnecessarily fueling controversy.

Previously, the fandom expressed concerns over NewJeans' direction and urged dialogue with ADOR, also warning about penalties.

The Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 50 (Chief Judge Kim Sang-hoon) fully accepted ADOR's request for an injunction against NewJeans members, prohibiting them from signing contracts and maintaining agency status. NewJeans had claimed their contract with ADOR was terminated last November and announced plans for independent activities, but the court's decision halted these plans.

The five NewJeans members have filed an objection to the court's injunction decision, asserting in foreign media interviews that "our actions are justified." In an interview with TIME magazine on the 22nd of last month, they expressed disappointment with the court's decision, stating, "It seems Korea wants to make us revolutionaries." On the 26th, BBC News Korea's official YouTube channel denied rumors of Min Hee-jin's involvement.

NewJeans announced a "temporary suspension of activities" on the 23rd of last month at the 'ComplexCon' stage in Hong Kong and have since remained out of the public eye.

Choi Ji-ye, TenAsia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr