NJZ (formerly NewJeans) has formally denied a TenAsia report alleging the group’s partnership with agency Beasts And Natives Alike (BANA). The article, published on February 14, 2025, claimed BANA was managing NJZ’s activities despite no official contract, citing unnamed industry sources and linking BANA to former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin.
NJZ’s PR team, managed by the members’ parents, issued a statement calling the report “completely false and baseless,” emphasizing no discussions or agreements with BANA had occurred. They criticized TenAsia for publishing unverified claims and announced plans to file a complaint with South Korea’s Press Arbitration Commission while pursuing legal action.
“The article cites ‘testimonies from multiple industry insiders,’ but this is fabricated. TenAsia failed to confirm facts with NJZ or BANA, seemingly aiming to stir controversy.”
The statement also referenced TenAsia’s history of publishing unverified articles, which allegedly caused emotional distress to NJZ members and associates.
K-Netizens Rally Behind NJZ, Condemn TenAsia
Following the announcement, Korean netizens expressed strong support for NJZ and criticized TenAsia’s reporting practices. Many accused the outlet of biased journalism and fueling misinformation:
“TenAsia has been Hybe’s PR machine for months. How is this journalism? It’s just forum-level gossip.”
“NJZ fighting! TenAsia needs to be shut down for good.”
“It’s heartbreaking how NJZ apologizes when reporters are the real villains.”
“Finally, someone is suing TenAsia. Their articles are trash.”
“Hybe’s tactics won’t work anymore. Support NJZ!”
More comments circulating online express sentiments such as:
“I’m not even a NewJeans fan, but I’m sick of TenAsia journalists using clickbait titles to spread negativity about idols. I hope they get sued properly. It’s trash journalism.”
“Good, good! Fighting!”
“I feel so bad for NJZ members, their parents, and everyone involved, having to deal with Hybe’s tactics. Hybe needs to go down soon. NJZ, fighting!”
“TenAsia has been blatantly siding with Hybe and spreading malicious rumors about NJZ. This lawsuit was long overdue. How many months have they been acting as Hybe’s PR machine? At the very least, they should pretend to fact-check their articles. If all they do is copy and paste whatever they’re given, how is that even journalism? It’s no different from a random forum post.”
“Journalists should be sued too. Maybe then they’ll write responsibly.”
“I’ve seen that journalist write clickbait for shows I liked too. Serves them right.”
“NewJeans, fighting!”
“TenAsia is disgusting. Just shut them down already.”
“TenAsia? Whether it’s idols or actors, I fully support anyone suing them.”
“NJZ, fighting!”
“It’s heartbreaking how NJZ always has to end their statements with apologies when the real villains are these reporters.”
“TenAsia always twists headlines, even when reporting from the same press release. They do this to every celebrity.”
“They’re only writing these fabricated articles because they’re being protected behind the scenes.”
“Good, this is satisfying.”
“Well done! TenAsia has been writing garbage articles about celebrities for too long. Give them what they deserve.”
Fans also highlighted frustration over TenAsia’s pattern of sensationalizing headlines without fact-checking.
Visa Controversy and Rebranding Challenges
This legal move follows NJZ’s recent clarification about member Hanni’s visa status. Earlier reports claimed she was staying in South Korea illegally after leaving ADOR, but NJZ confirmed she obtained a new visa legally and accused ADOR of pressuring her to sign sponsorship documents.
NJZ’s rebranding from NewJeans in February 2025 sparked mixed reactions. While fans welcomed their upcoming ComplexCon Hong Kong performance and new music, some criticized the name “NJZ” as uninspired. The group remains entangled in legal disputes with HYBE and ADOR over contract validity, which HYBE claims are binding until 2029.
