It looks like NewJeans is in hot water once again — and this time, it’s not about music charts or fashion trends.

A short clip from the group’s recent press conference is causing quite a stir across Korean online communities. In the now-viral video, the members were discussing their legal battle with agency ADOR when a reporter interjected to correct their phrasing. NewJeans had said, “We will be terminating the contract,” but the reporter clarified it should be “We hope to terminate the contract.”

It was a small correction — but what happened next got everyone talking.

Maknae Hyein was caught on camera reacting with a visibly displeased expression and crossing her arms. Though brief, the gesture sent shockwaves through netizens, who described it as “dismissive,” “arrogant,” and “unbecoming of idols in a public setting.”

From “Attention” to… Attitude?

Fans once praised NewJeans for their innocent, refreshing vibe when they first debuted with hits like “Attention” and “Hype Boy.” But this moment has many questioning if fame might be changing the group’s once-sparkling image.

Online forums quickly filled up with pointed comments:

• “That fresh image NewJeans had is shattered. My interest is fading fast.”

• “Hyein’s expression was so off-putting. It’s like she was offended at being corrected.”

• “They tasted success too fast, and now they’ve lost their humility.”

• “This feels like a PR nightmare in the making.”

Some netizens even joked about Hyein’s expression resembling that of a "divorcee giving attitude in court," while others worried about the long-term damage this could do to the group’s public perception.

A Rocky Road Ahead?

The group’s legal battle with ADOR was already a hot-button issue, but this incident adds a whole new layer of tension. For fans who’ve followed NewJeans since day one, it’s a painful shift from the wide-eyed, innocent rookies they once adored.

As K-pop’s competitive landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that even the smallest slip-up — especially under the spotlight — can snowball into major controversy.

Only time will tell if NewJeans can bounce back and regain the public’s trust… or if this moment marks the start of a new, more complicated chapter in their journey.