Korean Netizens Divided Over Hanni and Danielle Not Speaking Korean' Despite Their K-Pop Idol Status

About two months ago, Korean netizens have recently complained that members of NewJeans speak too much English. A netizen posted on a popular online community that some members of NewJeans do not speak Korean while promoting in Korea as K-pop idols, attracting a lot of attention.

The netizen stated, "Hanni and Danielle if you came to Korea to work and make money here, you should speak Korean. I'm not saying you are ignoring Korea, but if you want to make money here, you should adapt to the culture of this country."

She added, "Is this how Min Hee-jin educated the members? This is Korea. Would you be happy to see Japanese idols only speaking Japanese in Korea? I'm sure you would be unhappy with that too."

The netizen continued, "Danielle's mother is Korean, and she was born in Paju. Hanni seems to speak Korean well, but she only speaks English, right? I don't know if the Korean members understand English well, but I think both Danielle and Hanni have no consideration for the Korean members."

In response, netizens commented:

• What should I say? You say nothing about male idols using English in their live shows... Why bring up the issue here all of a sudden?

•  Stop talking nonsense. Many idols also speak foreign languages. People are watching everything about NewJeans, from their popularity to their digital records and advertisements... I think this issue will have a reverse viral effect.

• Honestly, I understand you... Isn't it obvious that Koreans are not good at English? I know idols have to learn English. But during their promotions as Korean idols, isn't it disappointing that they only use English? I'm not saying they look down on Koreans... It's like telling Koreans not to listen to them if they don't understand English?

• Why are there so many anti-fans of NewJeans and IVE? But for foreign male idols, even when their Korean is really bad, you find them "cute" and adore them. And when they speak in English, you find them "cool." But it's a problem when NewJeans does it?

• Stop this nonsense and go complain about male idols who constantly speak other languages.

• You too, being Korean, earning money in Korea, maybe you should pay more attention to your typos?

• Use a bit of English yourself. NewJeans speaks English; that's why they are appreciated abroad. Of course, they are also topping the Melon charts. Just because they used a bit of English during their live show, you react this way. 

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