NJZ (NewJeans) Behavior Towards ILLIT Sparks Backlash, Koreans Demand Apology

NJZ (previously known as NewJeans) are facing renewed criticism following a recent court ruling in their ongoing legal battle with HYBE.

On March 21, the Seoul Central District Court approved ADOR’s (NJZ’s previous agency) request for an injunction against the members, preventing them from signing independent advertising contracts while legal proceedings continue.

In the wake of this decision, Korean netizens have revisited past statements and actions by NJZ, leading to backlash — particularly regarding their treatment of ILLIT. The girl group and their agency, BeLift Lab, have been at the center of controversy after Min Hee Jin accused them of copying NJZ’s concept.

In one instance during the court proceedings, ILLIT members were even accused of mocking NJZ’s Hanni.

NewJeans’ side also newly alleged that some ILLIT members ridiculed Hanni through their words and actions, but they have not provided any evidence, so it remains unclear what specific mockery took place.

— Chosun

A post gaining traction on Instiz called out multiple reasons why they think NJZ has to apologize to ILLIT.

NJZ reportedly complained about ILLIT’s variety show appearance coinciding with their comeback period, leading the show’s PD team to issue an explanation. They also involved their parents in filing complaints, claiming that shouting “kal-guksu” in other content could be interpreted as mockery.

Then they went to court, claiming that the members were mocking them.

I sympathize with them for facing unfair treatment from HYBE and support them in standing up to the company. But why are they turning around and doing this to a rookie girl group themselves?

— Instiz

While many netizens have supported NJZ in their dispute with HYBE, they are now questioning why the group is directing similar accusations toward their junior labelmates. Public sentiment has now turned against NJZ, with many urging the members to apologize to ILLIT.

• “For real, they should apologize.”
• “They should apologize.”
• “I hope they apologize.”
• “Even if ADOR wins the lawsuit, this fact remains. I hope public opinion doesn’t shift… They should just apologize.”
• “For real, they need to apologize first.”