Even the smallest actions of K-Pop idols can sometimes spark heated discussions among fans and Korean netizens. This is exactly what happened after NewJeans’s Minji changed her status on Phoning, the fan communication app used by the group.
The update? A simple hug emoji .
Minji’s previous status was a blue heart emoji.
What made the update controversial in some netizens eyes was the timing of Minji’s status change. It came amidst a growing public dispute between HYBE, the parent label of NewJeans, and Min Hee Jin — the CEO of their agency, ADOR. While the emoji might seem innocent, it has led to heated debates online regarding its timing and intent.
Fans and casual observers alike are trying to decipher whether this is a message of solidarity, a plea for peace, or just a regular update without hidden meanings.
ADOR
On TheQoo, a popular forum, the change in status did not go unnoticed. Users have been quick to express their thoughts, ranging from support to skepticism. Some see Minji’s update as a strategic move, perhaps signaling support for the CEO of ADOR during this conflict. Others argue that the public is reading too much into a simple emoji, attributing unnecessary drama to an innocent action.
“There are a lot of crazy people..” “If you’re not going to clarify your position, it would be better to do nothing. Doesn’t anyone around you give advice… “Seems like they are just following their mother” “They criticize everything” “Instead of doing that, you should clarify your position. At my house, the fanatic hasn’t eaten in days and won’t come out of their room. Sigh.” “Communication app for NewJeans” “Again, people who aren’t fans are saying, ‘Minji, trust you ’” “Why even fuss over this? LOL, they’re guessing everything and saying whatever…” “I’m not sure, but if it’s on the moon, it must be a rabbit, and since the rabbit is a ‘Bunny,’ the heart next to it might be a message showing consideration for the fans? It seemed like a member who showed a lot of love for the fans.” “Can’t they just stay quiet until the results are clear? It seems like they’re desperate to criticize.” “It’s been 48 hours since the position statement that included their consent, which targeted a junior female idol as a derivative work, but they haven’t clarified a new position yet they change their social message?” | TheQoo
