Photos of NewJeans, the popular K-pop group, filming on the streets of Taipei on March 30 sent shockwaves through various online communities, igniting an unexpected controversy that has since dominated social media discussions.

Staff's Secrecy Sparks Outrage

The controversy erupted when alleged staff members of NewJeans took to online platforms, urging netizens to withhold any content related to the filming project, citing confidentiality concerns.

Sorry. Since this is a non-public schedule, do not share captures, repost, or even post your own photos or words about it. Our staff members worked hard to block people and close off the roads. While everyone's excited, please also give us space to work. Please assist us. [Posting about this] would impact the schedule going forward, so please [don't do it]. Thank you.

- Alleged staff

However, the public was quick to criticize this move, given that the filming was occurring in public spaces.

Reports emerged of aggressive behavior from NewJeans' staff, including instructing bystanders to leave the area and allegedly checking the phones of passersby who had captured images.

Furthermore, there were accusations of staff members inspecting the credentials of pedestrians and motorists attempting to access the vicinity, leading to widespread condemnation.

READ MORE: K-Media Criticized For Allegedly Using NewJeans To Promote ILLIT: 'They're Being Media Played'

Fallout: Disappointment in Actions

Criticism extended beyond the staff to encompass NewJeans' fanbase, with many expressing disappointment in their attempts to suppress information and their use of threatening language to control the narrative surrounding the filming.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE NETZENS' REACTION: 

• "What a hotshot."
• "Can they get fined before they leave? Ridiculous."
• "There's a problem with both the staff and the fans."
• "Besides the staff, fans need to take partial responsibility too. They went around lighting fires and asking people to delete posts. They even used threatening words. But in the end, they made the issue even bigger, the media reported about it, and even non-fans know about it now."
• "NewJeans fans think too highly of themselves. Idols pay for the actions of their fans."

This backlash highlighted the importance of accountability and responsible fan conduct.

Public Outcry: Calls for Accountability

Online platforms were inundated with comments from netizens expressing disdain for both the staff and the fans' conduct.

Many called for accountability and emphasized the need to address such behavior.

The fallout from the controversy has left many questioning the future of NewJeans' project and its potential impact on the group's reputation.

 As the situation continues to evolve, it underscores the importance of respecting boundaries and rights in the entertainment industry.

READ MORE: NewJeans Danielle Celine Brand Deal Sparks Mixed Reactions: 'Is She Replacing BLACKPINK Lisa?'

KpopStarz owns this article
Written by Cassidy Jones