NewJeans Danielle Chinese New Year Remarks & Apology: What Happened?

Kpop group NewJeans member Danielle was under fire because she used the term Chinese New Year to describe Lunar New Year. But even after she revealed her true personality by immediately apologizing, NewJeans Danielle Chinese New Year sincere apology gave her both praises and mixed reactions at the same time. So, what happened behind Danielle remark and apology and why was it such a big deal? Check out the following complete discussions.

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NewJeans Danielle Chinese New Year Remarks Ignited Strong Reactions from Korean Fans

The 4^th gen Kpop super monster rookie, NewJeans, has gained massive attention once again due to another controversy.

After the previously reported sexual connotation in their song Cookie and ADOR’s Min Hee Jin’s alleged glamorizing pedophilia, this time, NewJeans member Danielle ignited Korean fans’ anger by misusing a cultural term.

On January 19, NewJeans member Danielle sent a short message through a fan messaging platform, Phoning. On the message, she asked what her fans were doing for the upcoming Lunar New Year.

While the message itself was sweet and harmless, the problem was in the terms New Jeans Danielle used to describe the event. Instead of calling it Seollal (Korean term) or ‘Lunar New Year’, NewJeans Danielle, the gorgeous Kpop idol, used the term Chinese New Year. And immediately, it triggered the anger of Korean fans.

NewJeans Danielle Chinese New Year remark. | Phoning

What REALLY Happened Behind Danielle Chinese New Year Remark Controversy?

Following the misuse of the term, NewJeans Danielle Chinese New Year remark gained strong reactions from the people in South Korea. Why? Because there is ongoing cultural tension happening between China and South Korea at the moment.

Previously, a massive cultural war happened after a statement appeared on the Chinese SNS platform Weibo, allegedly claiming South Korea as a thief country for stealing Hanbok and Kimchi from their culture. Then, the controversy continued after South Korean people saw the presence of Hanbok and other Korean traditions during the opening of the Beijing Olympics 2022.

Naturally, these accusations triggered the anger of South Korean citizens, creating heated tensions between the two countries. And it became even worse when Chinese media claimed ownership of the South Korean flag.

The high tension of China & South Korea cultural war. | TheQoo

Why Was It Such A Big Deal?

Amidst the ongoing heated tensions, NewJeans Danielle Chinese New Year remark seemed to add fuel to the fire.

Indeed, Danielle clearly did NOT use the term intentionally. It was simply an honest mistake. After all, even when the Lunar New Year is a holiday that is celebrated by many Asian countries, the international community is indeed more familiar with Chinese New Year. And since Danielle spent a long time living in Australia, naturally, she was more familiar with the term.

However, since the tension already broke, the South Korean citizens reacted strongly to NewJeans Danielle Chinese New Year remark. That’s especially knowing Danielle was raised in South Korea from 3 years old until 2012, whereas other foreign idols, including NewJeans Hanni, who were born and raised in other countries, managed to use the proper term.

South Korean citizens believe since she has spent years living in South Korea, Danielle should have been more thoughtful and careful in using sensitive terms. And that is especially when such a tension is happening between the two countries.

NewJeans Danielle Chinese New Year remark and apology invited controversy. | TheQoo

Danielle’s Immediate Apology Showcases Her Dedication and Will to Take Responsibility Even for A Slight Mistake

Immediately after she realized her mistake, NewJeans Danielle took the issue to Instagram. She posted an extended statement of apology for her honest mistake and clarified the situation.

With this apology, NewJeans Danielle showcases her utmost dedication to taking responsibility for her actions. Even when she didn’t really do it intentionally.

In fact, Sport Chosun reported that with this apology, NewJeans Danielle had gained praise for owning her mistake right away, even though she’s still a young rookie idol.

So, what do you think about what happened to NewJeans Danielle Chinese New Year issue? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments. Also, stay with Kpoppost Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram for more Kpop discussions.

In the meantime, here’s NewJeans Danielle’s performance for Ditto.