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BTS' Jungkook posted two Instagram pictures of his pet dog, Bam, on September 14 (KST) via his dog Bam's account, @bowwow_bam. Under the posts, he wrote the captions, "Artists are not guilty" under the first post and "Don't use them" under the second. He also used 5 heart emojis that resembled each NewJeans member's representative colors in the first post's caption.
Several people thought that these were expressions of solidarity for the NewJeans. They lauded the BTS singer for voicing his opinions against involving young artists in a company feud. HYBE and former ADOR CEO, Min Hee-jin, had been at loggerheads since March 2024. Min Hee-jin was dismissed as CEO and replaced by Kim Joo-young on August 28.
On September 11, NewJeans hosted a YouTube livestream and demanded that HYBE reappoint Min Hee-jin as ADOR's CEO. NewJeans' Hanni also claimed that she heard a HYBE manager instruct a different K-pop group to ignore Hanni. Hence, Jungook's latest Instagram post sparked an online discussion.
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HYBE confirmed on September 14, that Jungkook stated his stance against Min Hee-jin using NewJeans and other rookie groups as her "shield."
Due to the phrasing of the post captions and its timing, netizens conjectured that the BTS idol was allusively addressing the concerns surrounding NewJeans. Remarks flooded the internet, with many commending Jungkook for his bravery and for speaking up when many others have stayed silent.
One X user wrote on X,
"WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU JUNGKOOK"
Netizens mentioned that he is a "fabulous artist" and has "set the bar high" by speaking against involving young artists in controversies.
"And he’s correct. We are all rooting for hardworking individuals, not greedy corporations. At the end of the day, we’re all human," one X user wrote.
"He is a fabulous artist and human being as well," another X user added.
"Jungkook never fails to amaze! Your energy and talent are truly inspiring keep shining and setting the bar high," another X user said.
Others called out BTS fans for allegedly disregarding Jungkook's support for NewJeans'.
"It’s great to see him speaking up and addressing the situation directly..Nice ..but this dog is adorable," one X user commented.
"Damn get real! Jungkook has a mind of his own! A beautiful heart!" another X user added.
"ARMY is mad. While they are slandering NewJeans crazily, their idols are supporting the girls. They just can't accept it. They don't care whether it's right or wrong," another X user said.
More about BTS' Jungkook's upcoming solo documentary film and latest activities
The BTS member's rise to solo fame is extensively explored in the documentary I AM STILL. Set to hit the theaters globally on September 18, 2024, it details his transition from Seven to 3D and the making of his first solo album, GOLDEN.
The film is expected to be a cinematic examination of the performer during a pivotal period. His struggles to establish a distinct persona while yet being connected to his BTS heritage are chronicled in the film.
The documentary, which was shot over a period of eight months, is anticipated to delve extensively into the Standing Next to You singer's personal and professional journey and preparation for GOLDEN.
In other news, the BTS idol enlisted in the South Korean military in December 2023 and will be discharged in June 2025.
