Amid the ongoing NewJeans controversy, the group’s fan messaging app, Phoning, has come under fire after reportedly updating its list of banned words and phrases, triggering widespread backlash from fans. The issue gained traction after a post revealing the app’s list of “banned words” went viral on social media. Screenshots circulating online showed that several phrases commonly used by fans had been blocked from use within Phonening.
According to the viral post, the newly banned phrases include “NewJeansAreFive”, “FreeNewJeans”, “FreeNJZ”, as well as anything containing the name Danielle, effectively restricting all Danielle-related content on the app. The discovery immediately sparked anger and confusion among fans, many of whom questioned the intent behind the update.
Fans have criticized HYBE and the app’s management, arguing that limiting such phrases has robbed Phoning of its original purpose as a platform for authentic fan-artist communication. Some commented that there was “it no longer makes sense to maintain the app” arguing that it would lose its meaning if fans could no longer freely express support for the members.
The reaction has been further amplified by recent developments involving ADOR. Not long before the controversy over the banned words emerged, ADOR’s CEO was reportedly caught following one of NewJeans’ members on his private social media account, fueling further speculation and mistrust among fans.
As criticism continues to spread online, the update of the banned words has become another flashpoint in the growing tension between the NewJeans fandom and the companies that oversee the group. Neither HYBE nor ADOR have released an official statement addressing the updated phone call restrictions, leaving fans waiting for clarification on the app’s future direction and the reasoning behind the controversial changes.
Sources: Koreaboo
Related articles
