NewJeans and HYBE Clash Over Tribute Ribbon Controversy
The K-pop group NewJeans (NJZ), consisting of members Hani, Minji, Hyein, Haerin, and Danielle, recently found themselves in a dispute with their agency, HYBE, regarding the wearing of tribute ribbons for the victims of the Jeju Air tragedy. On March 7, 2025, after a court hearing at the Seoul Central District Court regarding a request for an injunction against NewJeans' activities, the group revealed that they had intended to wear the ribbons during a Japanese broadcast shortly after the incident in December 2022. However, they claimed that their agency, Ador, and parent company HYBE discouraged them from doing so, citing concerns that it would overwhelm the broadcasting station with viewer inquiries.
Despite receiving confirmation from the Japanese broadcaster that wearing the ribbons would not be an issue, NewJeans alleged that they were not provided with the ribbons by HYBE. Consequently, member Hani created a tribute ribbon herself for their performance at the 66th Record Awards in Japan on December 30, 2022. During the event, it was noted that other girl groups under HYBE, such as LE SSERAFIM and ILY:1, wore different tribute ribbons, leading NewJeans to express concerns about potential damage to their reputation had they not worn any ribbons at all.
In response, HYBE stated that there was no reason to prevent artists from wearing tribute ribbons and claimed that all artists had expressed their willingness to wear them. They also mentioned that they had offered NewJeans the same ribbons but respected their decision to wear their own. Furthermore, HYBE explained that they had coordinated with the broadcasting station regarding the unique broadcasting conditions in Japan and had arranged for subtitles and explanations about the tribute ribbons.
Following a declaration of contract termination against Ador on November 29, 2022, due to alleged non-fulfillment of obligations, NewJeans changed their name to NJZ and began independent activities. In January 2023, Ador filed for an injunction to prohibit NJZ's activities.
