K-Pop Debate Ignites: Designer Slams NewJeans’ New 4-Member Content

Prominent movie poster designer Park Si Young has ignited a spirited discussion among K-pop fans and industry insiders with his candid critique of NewJeans’ recently unveiled special content. On July 22, Park Si Young took to his social media to express strong disapproval of the group’s new four-member video, released to celebrate their 4th debut anniversary.

Park Si Young’s Unfiltered Criticism of NewJeans

Park Si Young did not mince words, describing the content as “very old-fashioned” and likening its aesthetic to the ‘Gayo Top 10’ era, a reference to a past music program. He further stated, “What kind of sensibility is this? Talentless kids are just piggybacking and scraping everything.” His criticism extended to the group’s current structure, as he pointedly questioned, “What’s NewJeans with 4 members? It’s like ‘Attack on Titan’ without the ‘Attack’.” He also appeared to direct a jab at HYBE, remarking, “Someone with no sense, only pride, starting a company and receiving huge investment is the original sin.”

The Controversial NewJeans 4th Anniversary Film

The content at the center of this controversy is a special film uploaded to NewJeans’ official YouTube channel on July 22. It commemorates their 4th debut anniversary and features NewJeans’s Minji, Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni gathering in a moonlit summer night setting.

Significance Amidst Lineup Changes and Legal Disputes

This film holds particular significance as it marks the first full-group content from NewJeans in approximately two years, following their Japanese debut single “Supernatural” in 2024. Its release comes amidst ongoing discussions regarding the group’s lineup changes and past legal disputes. Following a legal dispute where the court sided with ADOR regarding contract validity, Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni returned to the agency, while Danielle departed. While Minji’s specific status remained unconfirmed by ADOR, her appearance alongside the other three members in this special film has led industry observers to widely interpret it as a confirmation of NewJeans’ return as a four-member unit.

Meet The Critic: Influential Designer Park Si Young

Park Si Young, a prominent movie poster designer since 2006, known for works like ‘The City of Violence’, ‘Mother’, and ‘The Wailing’, continues to be an influential voice in the creative industry.