KBS has ultimately apologized for the NewJeans thumbnail controversy.
On the 2nd, KBS released an official statement regarding the NewJeans thumbnail controversy through the viewer petition board.
KBS stated, "We deeply appreciate the interest in KBS News," and added, "The digital content in question deals with the dispute regarding the exclusive contract between HYBE and NewJeans, and we aimed to present the claims of both sides without bias. However, concerns were raised about the appropriateness of the thumbnail text, and we have accepted this feedback and made the content private."
They continued, "We apologize to the viewers who felt discomfort due to this incident, and we promise to be more mindful in the production of digital content, including subtitles, titles, and overall content."
Previously, on the 7th of last month, KBS included the phrase "Shaky NewJeans, escaping from Haerin?... 'Escape is intelligence' vs 'Completely unfounded, strong bond'" in the thumbnail of a YouTube channel video addressing the conflict regarding the exclusive contract between HYBE and NewJeans. At that time, viewers criticized the thumbnail's use of the word 'escape' as provocative, leading KBS to make the video private.
In response, a petition titled "We demand the cessation of malicious reporting and an official apology" was posted on the KBS viewer petition board. This petition garnered over 1,000 signatures, prompting a response from KBS.
The author stated, "Despite the official position that the allegations of family rifts are false, the inclusion of provocative phrases like 'Escape is intelligence' to drive views and spread false information is deeply regrettable," and urged, "We demand the cessation of malicious reporting regarding Minji, Hani, Daniel, Haerin, and Hyein, along with an official apology."
NewJeans continues to have conflicts with HYBE. The five members of NewJeans declared that their trust relationship with ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE, had collapsed and announced that their exclusive contract with ADOR would be terminated as of November 29 of last year. However, in March, the court granted a provisional injunction requested by ADOR to maintain the status of the agency and prohibit the signing of advertising contracts with the members. Unable to engage in independent activities, NewJeans announced a halt to their activities.
