BTS’ Jungkook wishes fans a Happy Chuseok and cheers on J-Hope in first update since NewJeans support allegations

BTS’ Jungkook made a heartfelt appearance on Weverse on September 17, to wish his fans a Happy Chuseok, marking his first update since his recent Instagram activity that garnered much attention and speculation. This post comes amidst ongoing conversations surrounding his alleged support for the K-pop group NewJeans.
On September 14, Jungkook shared a photo of his beloved pet dog, Bam, on Instagram.The post included the caption, “Artists are not guilty”, along with five heart emojis that corresponded to the color scheme used by NewJeans in their promotional materials. This gesture quickly ignited speculation about Jungkook's stance on the current issues involving NewJeans and their management.
In response to the growing buzz, BIGHIT MUSIC, the agency managing BTS, confirmed that Jungkook’s Instagram posts were intended to express support for NewJeans, particularly in light of their ongoing disputes with their management. The agency emphasized that Jungkook’s statements were meant to stand in solidarity with the younger artists, asserting that “under no circumstances should young artists be dragged into disputes or used as shields”.
Today, Jungkook’s update on Weverse featured a response to J-Hope’s touching letter to fans, in which J-Hope reflected on his military service and the impending 30-day mark until his discharge. J-Hope’s letter touched on his feelings about the transition from military life, his observations of new recruits, and his heartfelt Chuseok wishes for fans. Jungkook’s comment on J-Hope’s post was both supportive and affectionate, using the nickname ‘jjyahhope’. He wrote, “You've worked hard jjyahhope” and extended his own Chuseok greetings to his followers, “I hope you have a good chuseok”.
Jungkook’s Instagram posts had included messages like “Artists are not guilty” and “Don’t use them”, which many interpreted as a supportive nod to NewJeans amidst their turbulent period with HYBE. BIGHIT MUSIC clarified that Jungkook’s support was an effort to highlight the importance of not involving young artists in management disputes. Despite these clarifications, HYBE chose not to elaborate on the specific subject of Jungkook’s posts, leaving room for ongoing speculation.
The timing of Jungkook’s post, coinciding closely with NewJeans' unexpected live broadcast, where the members expressed their support for Min Hee Jin and shared personal grievances about their management, added fuel to the fire. The broadcast included personal incidents and calls for Min Hee Jin’s reinstatement, which only intensified the scrutiny of Jungkook’s supportive stance. As the situation unfolds, Jungkook’s actions and statements continue to be a focal point for fans and industry observers.