Did NewJeans and KBS disrespect LE SSERAFIM’s Eunchae? Music Bank incident sparks debate

When it comes to K-pop, even the smallest incidents can spark heated discussions among fans. This time, NewJeans and KBS are at the center of an ongoing controversy. Both have been accused of disrespecting popular LE SSERAFIM member Eunchae. Even before this controversy, there were reportedly ongoing issues between entertainment companies ADOR and HYBE, which only makes the allegations more serious. The latest incident occurred on May 31 during Music Bank, a popular KBS music show.

In a recent episode, NewJeans was nominated for first place alongside aespa. In the end, NewJeans’ song How Sweet secured first place, which is their second win for this track, Koreaboo reports.

Although it was a proud moment for the group, the mood was quickly dampened by some incidents during their acceptance speech.

As is customary in the show, the winning group gave a speech to celebrate their victory. During this speech, Eunchae, who serves as the MC for Music Bank, was present on stage alongside NewJeans. Towards the end of the speech, there was an awkward moment of prolonged silence. Observers noticed Eunchae checking to see if NewJeans had finished speaking.

Just as Eunchae began to speak, Danielle from NewJeans resumed the conversation. She took a moment to thank ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin. After this interruption, the camera quickly pans back to Eunchae, drawing everyone’s attention to the awkwardness of the situation. This particular moment was analyzed in depth and interpreted by many as a sign of disrespect towards Eunchae, especially given the ongoing legal tensions between Min Hee Jin and HYBE, the company behind LE SSERAFIM.

See it here:

This video went viral and some fans called NewJeans’ actions disrespectful. The fact that Min Hee Jin was involved in legal action against HYBE has reinforced the impression that NewJeans’ actions were inappropriate and deliberate.

“The first girl already thanked MHJ so it’s very… well that the blonde Eunchae interrupts to say it again,” wrote one viewer.

“I wish nothing but the worst for Newjeans and their psychotic CEO. Cutting Eunchae off like that and then thanking that bitch in front of her who caused Le Sserafim BTS Illit so much pain. Making fun of the whole situation when you should be ashamed of yourself,” wrote another angry user.

However, not everyone shares this view. Many believe that the incident was nothing more than a simple mistake. They also pointed out a recent friendly interaction between Eunchae and NewJeans on the same show, which suggests that there is no ill will between them.

“You all get on my nerves. It’s not any of their fault… Eunchae is doing her job (they give a closing speech and then the winners do an encore) and Danielle had more to say too (it’s sad what she said for many reasons, but still). You all need to get jobs,” says one viewer.

What do you think about the incident?