The group NewJeans became embroiled in controversy over allegations of “high-handedness” after blocking roads and confiscating citizens’ mobile phones during the filming of a music video in Taiwan. Their agency stated that these allegations are “groundless.”
note: High-handedness refers to an attitude or behavior characterized by arrogance, superiority, or a lack of consideration for other.
On the 1st of April, local media outlets in Taiwan, including ETtoday, reported that NewJeans engaged in unauthorized filming on a street in Taiwan, sparking accusations of high-handedness, mainly circulated through online communities and social networking services (SNS).
NewJeans filmed a music video on the streets of Taipei, Taiwan, on the 30th of last month. The filming locations were famous landmarks in Taipei.
One netizen claimed, “When pedestrians took photos nearby, staff members checked each of their phones,” and “During the scene filmed at a pedestrian crossing, they asked people trying to cross to wait.”
Another netizen reported, “They closed the road and fenced off the parking space,” and “The attitudes of the staff around were too arrogant.”
Upon seeing these posts, a staff member at the scene posted on their own SNS, “I’m sorry, but please refrain from posting personal photos and comments as this is a private event,” and “We are trying our best not to close off the area too much and to avoid blocking people.” They later deleted the post as criticism intensified.
Furthermore, allegations emerged that they violated labor standards during the recruitment process for extras and other filming staff. NewJeans posted a notice through a dispatch company for “Recruitment of Korean girl group extras” before filming the music video. However, they violated the local minimum wage standard by offering 650 Taiwanese dollars (approximately 27,500 Korean won or $20) for 7 hours of work. There are also criticisms regarding excessive demands for signing of publicity rights contracts and confidentiality clauses.
Related: NewJeans Members Profile [UPDATED]: Facts and more
Related: FAQ About NewJeans: Answering The Web’s Most Searched Questions About The Monster Rookies
Their agency completely denies these allegations. They stated, “We received official filming permits from the Taipei City Government and the police in Taiwan, and conducted filming within the permitted range. Although the staff on site were holding placards asking not to take photos, some people took pictures within the filming control zone.”
They added, “In such cases, we politely requested the deletion of photos on-site, and everyone cooperated. There were no instances of swearing or rudeness at the filming site.”
Source: (A)
