The8 and Vernon of SEVENTEEN caught fans off guard by showing public support for NewJeans during a recent event, standing out given how most HYBE-affiliated artists have avoided the topic entirely amid the ongoing tension between NewJeans, ADOR, and HYBE. During a set where The8 was DJing, he mixed f(x)’s “Electric Shock” with NewJeans’ “ETA,” and Vernon grabbed the mic to sing along to the chorus without hesitation.
The moment stood out specifically because HYBE artists have largely stayed silent on anything NewJeans-related since the conflict began, especially following Danielle’s expulsion from the group and ongoing accusations that HYBE has worked to damage the group’s image. Fans reacted with a wave of appreciation online, with many framing the gesture as proof that individual artists don’t necessarily share their label’s corporate stance, even while under the same company umbrella.
