K-pop is everywhere right now: on global charts, social media feeds, fashion conversations and even casual livestreams. The genre’s reach has grown so wide that it often turns up in places far removed
from traditional fan spaces. That was on display during a recent Instagram Live, when North West, interacting with followers in real time, casually referenced one of K-pop’s most talked-about groups at present.
During the livestream on January 26, the 12-year-old daughter of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian interacted with followers and read out questions in real time. One viewer asked if she listens to K-pop. North didn’t hesitate. She said she likes NewJeans. Then she went on to say, “We gotta save NewJeans.”
Watch it here:
— Jay (@Jayy_Hardyy252) January 26, 2026
Here Is How Fans Reacted
Within minutes, clips of the livestream began circulating on social media. NewJeans fans, known as Bunnies, flooded timelines with reactions. Many treated the comment as a rallying cry. Others joked about the power North West might hold by proximity alone.
“She knows what’s up,” one user wrote. “She knows ball,” another added. “I KNOW THATS RIGHT!!!! FREE NEW JEANS,” a fan posted.
she knows what’s up
— Kaina ❤️ (@kaina368) January 27, 2026
she knows ball
— River Phoenix (@SyahputraB51977) January 26, 2026
I KNOW THATS RIGHT!!!!
FREE NEW JEANS
— ᴀʟᴇᴄ 🍃 (@alecsbutt) January 26, 2026
Some comments leaned into celebrity connections. “Girl tell your mom, u could literally do it,” one wrote. Another asked, “Can she get her billionaire mother to save them.”
And the first thing she’s gonna do is have them perform for the idf
— IMISSY🍊🍊NGIII😔 ⁷ (@yooongers1) January 27, 2026
Can she get her billionaire mother to save them
— Señorita Awesome (@moonlightbae636) January 26, 2026
Why NewJeans Is A Sensitive Topic Right Now
The reaction makes sense when you consider where NewJeans stands today. The group, originally a five-member act under ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE, became entangled in a prolonged management and legal dispute that began in 2024. The situation escalated after Min Hee Jin was removed as ADOR’s CEO, triggering internal fallout and public legal battles, reports Soap Central.
In March 2025, NewJeans announced a hiatus. Later that year, ADOR terminated Danielle’s contract and filed a $30 million lawsuit against her and Min Hee Jin. Danielle later spoke publicly following the termination.
As of January 2026, the future of the remaining members, Hanni, Minji, Haerin and Hyein, remains unclear. No comeback timeline has been announced.
