Netizens are buzzing over who exactly BTS' Jungkook was addressing with his statement, "Don't use NewJeans."

According to reports, anonymous HYBE Labels employees on Blind responded to Jungkook’s unexpected Instagram posts mentioning NewJeans amidst ongoing disputes involving Min Hee Jin and HYBE.

Some believe that Jungkook’s message was directed at ADOR’s former CEO Min Hee Jin, while others think he was calling out HYBE itself.

Recently, a YouTube journalist made a strong case that Jungkook was specifically criticizing Min Hee Jin, presenting three points:

1. "Jungkook’s criticism was aimed at telling someone not to 'use NewJeans.'"

2. "The one using NewJeans is Min Hee Jin, who has been continuously involving the group since the press conference."

3. "HYBE has never officially mentioned NewJeans up to this point."

The journalist argued that Jungkook was cleverly protecting NewJeans by showing his support for the group while avoiding direct criticism of Min Hee Jin. He also noted that BTS' fanclub ARMY has expressed opposition to Min Hee Jin’s potential return as ADOR’s CEO.

However, many K-netizens disagreed with the journalist, arguing that HYBE has been manipulating media narratives against NewJeans since before the legal disputes, and accusing the journalist of exploiting idols for his YouTube content.

Other commenters suggested that the journalist’s points could also apply to HYBE, emphasizing that the only opinion that truly matters is that of NewJeans, who have expressed their desire to continue working with Min Hee Jin.

The exact target of Jungkook's statement remains unclear, as HYBE’s response indicated that he was simply against the misuse of artists in conflicts.

Reactions from netizens included:

"I realized something after seeing a comment—he’s basically a HYBE spokesperson."
"This is funny, considering HYBE was also involved in the Minji kalguksu controversy."
"What this journalist said isn’t wrong, but his argument should apply to both sides, not just one."
"HYBE has never officially mentioned NewJeans up to now (even when they addressed the Minji kalguksu controversy)."
"They didn't even stop the mocking..."
"Still going on like this—stop using Jungkook too."
"HYBE employees already got triggered and criticized Jungkook, didn't they? LOL."
"NewJeans themselves say they want to keep working with Min Hee Jin, so what does a third party know? Whether it's Min Hee Jin or anyone else using them..."
"This is funny—why is he using Jungkook’s words to his benefit?"

What are your thoughts on the issue?

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