The latest major topic of discussion on various online communities is the allegation that Bang Si Hyuk had purposely ignored the NewJeans members when they greeted him in their encounter.
This allegation took the spotlight when one of NewJeans’ members’ parents shared with the media that there were instances in which NewJeans’ members expressed disappointment when Chairman Bang Si Hyuk didn’t receive the members greeting to him.
In an interview with Ilgan Sports, a parent of NewJeans opened up about the concerns and details surrounding the ongoing dispute from the perspective of the parents. During the interview, the parent shared that “HYBE’s Chairman Bang Si Hyuk didn’t even greet our kids, which seems to be a similar experience for other kids after their debut,” and “One child was even in an elevator with him, and he didn’t acknowledge the greeting.”
This issue garnered attention further when the parent revealed that a HYBE official responded that Chairman Bang must’ve not recognized the girls because “Chairman Bang might have face-blindness.”
The HYBE official’s recent statement has ignited discussions across numerous online communities, with a substantial number of netizens criticizing the explanation as lacking consideration and expressing skepticism regarding Bang Si Hyuk’s purported face-blindness.
On May 14, alleged evidence was uploaded revealing that Bang Si Hyuk has a hard time recognizing people’s faces. One netizen posted screen captures of ‘American Hustle Life,’ which aired 10 years ago on Mnet, where the BTS members were seen candidly expressing their dissatisfaction toward Big Hit Music.
During the show, when V takes his turn to talk, Bang Si Hyuk is seen asking, “Who are you, the one next to Namjoon?”
V continued to disclose that for nearly a year, Bang Si Hyuk had consistently inquired about his name and identity.
K-netizen commented:
“He should’ve asked who NewJeans were when they said hi to him.”
“Does he not have ears though?”
“But he recognizes LE SSERAFIM members.”
“Even though he doesn’t know the individual members, there’s no way he wouldn’t know NewJeans.”
“But they greeted him right next to him in the elevator so how does he not see them?”
“Even if he has face-blindness, does that mean he can ignore their greeting?”
“How does he know Namjoon then?”
“This isn’t even evidence to prove he has face blindness.”
“If someone greets you, even if you don’t know them, you should greet them back.”
“Is he deaf? Maybe he’s selectively blind.”
“He says hi to Sakura just fine.”
“He recognized RM though.”
