A recent article by Tenasia faced criticism for speculating about the intentions behind NewJeans member Minji’s updated profile picture on the fan messaging platform Phoning, sparking backlash among fans and netizens. The discussion coincided with the resignation of former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, drawing ire for what many saw as unfounded assumptions.

Tenasia’s Speculative Take on Minji’s Profile Picture

On November 20, Minji updated her profile picture on Phoning, sharing an image with national fencing player Kim Junho’s two sons, whom she met during her appearance on the popular variety show The Return of Superman. During the episode, Minji expressed her admiration for the children and her excitement about meeting them.

Tenasia’s article suggested that Minji’s profile update might symbolize a “change of heart,” referencing its timing in relation to Min Hee Jin’s resignation. The piece drew a tenuous link between the updated profile and the departure of the former ADOR CEO, sparking widespread disbelief among netizens.

“Although many people interpret Minji’s change in profile picture as being due to her interest in the children, some netizens say that it could reflect the change of heart, as it was changed on the day of Min Hee Jin’s resignation,”

— Tenasia

Fans and Netizens React to Media Play Accusations

The interpretation faced immediate backlash online. Netizens on Korean forums such as theqoo criticized the claim, labeling it as speculative and baseless. Many fans pointed out that Minji likely updated her profile to promote an upcoming episode of The Return of Superman rather than as a reaction to Min Hee Jin’s resignation. Some even argued that such coverage amounted to unnecessary media manipulation.

• “HYBE this is so shallow.”
• “What are they saying?”
• “I don’t even know what the article is trying to say. What does the children’s photo have to do with anything.”
• “What kind of nonsense is that? NewJeans probably can’t even use Phoning anymore.”
• “What are they even saying? She posted it because the teaser for the episode was revealed. Min Hee Jin’s resignation was yesterday so the dates don’t even line up.”
• “She posted it because of the new episode. What nonsense is this.”
• “She changed it for the upcoming episode. They aren’t in their right minds interpreting things like this through media play.”
• “She just changed it for the upcoming episode..what bullshit is this.”

Other comments included strong criticisms of HYBE for what some perceived as shallow media strategies, with fans emphasizing their disappointment in the misinterpretation.

Context of Min Hee Jin’s Resignation

Min Hee Jin, who played a pivotal role in NewJeans’ success, officially resigned as internal director of ADOR and HYBE. The news has drawn significant attention within the K-pop industry, marking a new chapter for the label and its artists. However, many believe linking her resignation to unrelated updates by NewJeans members undermines the artists’ intentions and credibility.

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Source: theqoo