“This feels so cultish”— Fans react as NewJeans’ Minji sports Min Hee-jin T-shirt on their first appearance as independent artists

On December 25, NewJeans appeared as guests on CBS Radio's Kim Hyun-jung's news broadcast to celebrate Christmas. The female group's recent appearance was decided independently by the members without prior consultation with their agency, ADOR, which they confirmed was unaware of the appearance in advance.

During the broadcast, fans and netizens were caught up by Minji's move to remove her jacket midway through the show, displaying her t-shirt, which quickly gained attention.

Minji's printed t-shirt featured two major images: a group photo of NewJeans and a snapshot of Min Hee-jin from her April news appearance, where she discussed her issues with HYBE. Min Hee-jin's name was prominently displayed on the t-shirt.

Although Minji later put her jacket back on during the show, the moment had already caught the attention of netizens. One user on X commented:

“this feels so cultish”

Many other mixed responses regarding NewJeans’ Minji were seen online. While some backed the singer’s move, others expressed their displeasure.

“idk why everyone is boxing and generalizing ALL ceos like the ones you know bc not all of them are bad? NOT SAYING THAT MHJ IS TO SPARE but NJ experience what it's like to be under MHJ firsthand so WHO ARE YALL to judge? even XG likes their ceo, i don't see nobody throw hands,” stated an X user.

“I think it’d be a good one time gag but if she’s wearing this seriously or unironically then that’s very weird indeed. Having your boss on a shirt is just plain weird,” wrote another fan.

“ragebaited 3 fandoms I know she did it on purpose too lmaoo,” a fan stated.

“I got your back Minji,” a fan wrote.

Some called it a “healthy dynamic” between the girl group and their boss, Min Hee-jin, while others described it as “next level grooming.”

“we should totally normalize this behavior. like why not we stan our boss right? such a healthy dynamic. totally not problematic at all,” another fan expressed.

“It is VERY hard to stay sympathetic and supportive of these girls when they do this stuff. This level of grooming is a masterclass!!,” stated another X user.

“i get mhj having a big role in nwjn’s creative process but this is next level grooming,” commented an admirer.

“I don't care what u all have to say this is actually grommed behavior,” stated another fan.

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NewJeans released their Vogue cover directed by Min Hee-jin

Through their recently established 'Jeanzforfree' account, NewJeans revealed the Vogue Korea New Year cover shoot on December 18, 2024. The five members' varied characteristics were highlighted as they showcased their styles through a combination of modern attire and traditional hanbok.

The use of their own names, Hyein, Hanni, Haerin, Danielle, and Minji, rather than the group name NewJeans, attracted special attention from their fans. Additionally, Min Hee Jin's name as the shoot's director also garnered interest from the online community.

On November 29, 2024, NewJeans unilaterally announced the discontinuation of their exclusive deal with HYBE-owned ADOR, stating their intention to continue their business independently. This announcement was made during an emergency press conference.

Following this, on December 3, ADOR initiated a lawsuit in the Seoul Central District Court to uphold the legitimacy of the exclusive contract, arguing that it is still in effect until July 31, 2029.

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In related news, the girl group’s member Danielle became the global ambassador of the luxury watch label Omega on December 17, 2024, following the declaration of their contract termination.