NewJeans’ Show! Music Core Appearance: A Complete Recap

NewJeans made their first appearance on Show! Music Core, performing five songs and marking the return of Hyein from an injury. Fans were thrilled about the comeback and praised the new songs and performances. Despite past controversies, NewJeans is determined to move forward with their music and fan support.

Introduction

NewJeans made their first appearance on Show! Music Core on July 13th, 2024, performing five songs in a row to the delight of their fans. This marked a special occasion as member Hyein, who had been sidelined due to an ankle injury, rejoined the group for a complete performance.

Pre-Show Interview

Before their full comeback stage, NewJeans participated in a pre-show interview with MCs Shinyou, Dohun, and Jihoon from the group TO1. Shinyou expressed their excitement to have NewJeans on the show, comparing the meeting to the start of summer vacation.

Song Introductions and Hyein’s Return

Minji described their Japanese debut song “Supernatural” as an upbeat dance track that makes you want to move along from the first note. Hanni shared some dance tips, emphasizing the cool execution of basic hip-hop moves.

Hyein, who had been unable to perform due to her injury, appeared bright and healthy. She revealed that they had prepared a special medley of songs for the show, highlighting “Right Now” as a charming track perfect for the summer season.

Haerin raised anticipation for their hit song medley, promising a special stage that fans would love and featuring performances they had been waiting for.

Show! Music Core Performance

NewJeans delivered a powerful performance of their new songs “Right Now” and “Supernatural,” followed by a medley of their hit tracks “ETA,” “OMG,” and “Hype Boy.” It is rare for an artist to perform five songs on a music show, especially during a comeback stage.

Fan Reactions and Controversy

News of NewJeans’ appearance on the show was met with enthusiastic reactions from fans on the Korean online community theqoo, a platform known for its large NewJeans fanbase. Fans were particularly thrilled to see Hyein back on stage as part of the complete group, acknowledging that her absence had been felt. They also expressed positive feedback on the new songs “Right Now” and “Supernatural,” and praised the camerawork during the performance.

However, NewJeans’ appearance also sparked discussions about their previous involvement in a controversy surrounding Japanese imperialism. In early June, NewJeans’ fan club, Bunnies, had attacked LE SSERAFIM for alleged pro-Japanese sentiments, stemming from a photo taken by LE SSERAFIM members with Mount Fuji in the background. This incident led to backlash from LE SSERAFIM fans and Korean anti-Japanese groups, who accused NewJeans of hypocrisy due to two unrelated instances:

Hanni’s cover of “Blue Coral Reef” by Seiko Matsuda, a singer who also performed the controversial song “Kimigayo.”

NewJeans’ collaboration with Takashi Murakami, an artist known for his depictions of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Similar to LE SSERAFIM’s Mount Fuji photo, these accusations were deemed unfounded and exaggerated.

NewJeans and Takashi Murakami Collaboration: Allegations of Pro-Japanese Sentiment

NewJeans faces baseless accusations of pro-Japanese sentiment due to their Murakami collaboration, while their fans’ hypocrisy in previously accusing LE SSERAFIM of the same highlights the toxic nature of online fandom culture.

LE SSERAFIM’s Mount Fuji Photo and the Ensuing Controversy: A Rational Analysis

LE SSERAFIM’s Mt. Fuji photo sparked a pro-Japanese controversy on Nate Pann, highlighting the prevalence of anti-Japanese sentiment among young female K-Pop fans in South Korea. The incident highlights the urgent need for rational discourse, critical thinking, and historical awareness to address these entrenched sentiments.

The Decline of Anti-Japanese Sentiment

Ironically, NewJeans fans who had falsely accused LE SSERAFIM of pro-Japanese activities found themselves facing similar accusations. However, a more significant development is the declining traction of such anti-Japanese attacks. Despite theqoo being a platform known for its anti-Japanese sentiment, there has been a significant decrease in accusations against NewJeans. This suggests that anti-Japanese groups are losing their grip on the narrative, and NewJeans is determined to move forward despite these baseless accusations.

It is crucial to note that the use of anti-Japanese sentiment as a weapon in Korean politics has unfortunately seeped into idol fandoms. However, there is a growing resistance against such tactics, and it is encouraging to see that malicious comments and attacks are no longer as prevalent as they once were. The Korean idol industry must collectively reject these unfounded accusations and move towards a more supportive and inclusive environment.

Conclusion

NewJeans’ appearance on Show! Music Core was a resounding success, showcasing their talent, energy, and strong connection with their fans. Despite facing unfounded accusations, NewJeans remains determined to continue their journey, and their fans are unwavering in their support. It is time to move past the anti-Japanese rhetoric and celebrate the positive contributions of NewJeans to the K-pop industry.

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