Amid the delight of bunnies after NewJeans won two daesangs at the 2023 Asia Artist Awards, the fandom complained about their disappointing "hemeko."

On December 14, the 5-member girl group NewJeans flew from Korea to attend the 2023 Asia Artist Awards 2023, held at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, Philippines.

Bunnies (NewJeans fandom) then rejoiced after the quintet took home six trophies in total, including two daesangs (grand prize), the "Song of the Year" and the "Singer of the Year."

NewJeans Coordi Criticized Following Group's 'Hemeko'

While K-pop fans expressed their congratulatory messages to the group for winning prestigious awards, some netizens and Bunnies took to online communities to convey their disappointment in their outfits. 

(Photo : NMIXX (Pann Nate))

(Photo : LE SSERAFIM (Pann Nate))

(Photo : ITZY (Pann Nate))

During the red carpet, girl groups like ITZY, NMIXX, Kep1er, STAYC, LE SSERAFIM, and IVE Jang Wonyoung wore formal ceremony dresses reminiscent of goddesses and fairies.

But upon the arrival of NewJeans, viewers raised their brows upon seeing them in trousers and jeans and crop tops reminiscent of warriors.

(Photo : NewJeans (Pann Nate))

ALSO READ: Asia Artist Awards 2023 Winners: EXO Suho, NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM, Stray Kids, MORE!

Over the Korean community forum Pann, Koreans criticized the group's outfits, calling them "tacky" and "worst." Fans were also disappointed with their "hemeko" (hair-makeup-coordination)," characterized by the members' messy hair and not uniform makeup coordination.

Fans then claimed that the only thing that saved the group's image was their top-notch visuals. As a result, they couldn't help but wonder which coordi was in charge of the group and if they were intentionally picking a fight with fans.

(Photo : NewJeans (Pann Nate))

To explain this, this is not the first time that the girl group was embroiled in a "hemeko" issue. Although the group initially received massive attention for being a visual group, their outfit style suddenly changed, pursuing a trendy and experimental mix of Y2K fashion.

Here are some of the fans' comments:

• "Who on earth is NewJeans coordi?"
• "They're pretty, so they'll rock it well even if they wear the basic clothes, but it's a shame that they keep wearing weird clothes. It's as if the faces of the kids saved them today. The faces of the kids always work hard at award ceremonies. I want to see New Jeans in dresses. They're so pretty, it's a shame."

(Photo : NewJeans (Star News))

• "But the clothes are really...strange. It's not like it's Y2K. It's the end of the year. Is that the best they can do?"
• "Their coordination and style is a bit messy and seriously unflattering."
• "The kids are pretty but their outfits are really tacky."
• "It's not like the first time they were embroiled in a hemeko problem. Can they just change their makeup shop? The coordi is so incompetent."

Bunnies Defend NewJeans

(Photo : News1)

On the flip side, some fans think that the girl group looks pretty with their outfit. Fans pointed out that among artists who wear dresses, NewJeans managed to stand out without drifting away from their trademark Y2K style.

(Photo : Daum)

Also, as most of the members were young, fans thought that the outfits were the most suitable for their innocent looks & concepts.

• "It's an innocent concept appropriate for their age."
• "Isn't it because they are babies? It's pretty though."
• "At this point, I think I'm liking NewJeans coordi."

READ MORE: NewJeans' Latest Fashion Style at KCON Japan Draws Divided Reactions

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Written by Eunice Dawson.