Speculation is running rampant.
Koreaboo
A brief moment during a recent livestream featuring CORTIS members Martin, James, and Keonho has quickly become a hot topic after one of the members supposedly mentioned NewJeans.
During the broadcast, the members were casually dancing and chatting about their recent trip to New Zealand. In the middle of the conversation, Keonho allegedly said “NewJeans” before quickly correcting himself to “New Zealand.”
While the correction happened almost immediately, fans zeroed in on the moment — especially Martin’s reaction, as he put his head down right after the slip, which many interpreted as an awkward or nervous response.
these cortis kids mentioning newjeans😂 #newjeansneverdie!!! pic.twitter.com/UQdUjEFOmt
— zya (@haerinerrr) February 6, 2026
The clip spread rapidly across social media, with netizens reading far more into the moment than what was actually said. Some speculated that even accidentally mentioning NewJeans could lead to consequences from HYBE, given the ongoing tensions surrounding the group’s situation with the company and ADOR.
Hybe will not let them eat anything for the next month now https://t.co/oaKE6PI5N4
— BLACKMAMBA (@THEOGBLACKMAMBA) February 6, 2026
next cb he’s getting 1 line 😭😭😭
— zya (@haerinerrr) February 6, 2026
Especially cause he’s very close to the boys. M, I just know they are gonna get in trouble for this bro
— Gaby.joan (@Gabyjoan131415) February 6, 2026
As the reactions grew louder, fans of CORTIS pushed back against the narrative. Many argued that the moment was being taken out of context, pointing out that Keonho did not say “NewJeans” but it sounds like it simply because of how similar the Korean pronunciation is to New Zealand.
“hybe will not let them eat anything for the next month now” free cortis from yall miserable fucks cuz he wasn’t even talking bout ur nwjns girlies but whatever feeds yalls delusions ig https://t.co/lOb71BALPP pic.twitter.com/TPCk7urmL2
— 🕴🏼 (@cortissm_) February 7, 2026
“he switched from newjeans to New Zealand to save”
and they were talking about their New Zealand trip the whole time 😭…
shippers on tt are so cringe with these slowmo edits https://t.co/dY8OzwFn5J pic.twitter.com/SLuM49Fkhq— yoOo MENTION ME (@harumanyogi183) February 7, 2026
Despite the divided opinions, the situation highlights how sensitive the topic of NewJeans remains within HYBE fandoms. A split-second verbal slip was enough to spark rumors, jokes, and serious speculation…
Whole company treats newjeans like Lord Voldemort
— 𝒥𝓈. ♡ (@JasmeenAlana) February 7, 2026