Comparative Media Framing of the NewJeans Controversy in 2024: An Analysis of Yonhap and BBC

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze and compare how Yonhab and BBC, two major news media outlets, framed their reporting on the controversy involving NewJeans and their agency Ador/HYBE. The researcher used Entman's theory, which is based on four elements: defining problems, diagnosing causes, making moral judgments, and suggesting remedies. The research method used a qualitative approach with a total of eight news articles from each media outlet studied.  The results showed that Yonhab and  BBC  differed in their framing of the news regarding the issues faced by NewJeans. Yonhab tended to focus on the breach of contract by both parties, while the BBC reported on the main issues of harassment and mistreatment in the workplace. In addition, both news media outlets also have similarities in defining the conflict as a case of a breakdown in the relationship between the artist and the agency. Not only that, but they also indirectly show that NewJeans is the most disadvantaged party in the conflict. Furthermore, both media outlets also offer the same suggested remedy, which is to resolve the issue legally and in accordance with the laws of South Korea.