HYBE Boy Band References NewJeans in Live Stream, Fueling “Punishment” Rumors

CORTIS is facing wild speculation after a recent livestream slip-up.

The controversy began during a broadcast with members Martin, James, and Keonho. They were chatting about their trip to New Zealand. Suddenly, Keonho appeared to say “NewJeans” before quickly correcting to “New Zealand.”

Fans instantly zoomed in on the moment, especially Martin’s reaction—he put his head down right after the slip, which many took as awkward or nervous.

This sparked a flood of reactions on social media. Some fans joked about HYBE punishing the members for mentioning NewJeans amid ongoing tensions between NewJeans, HYBE, and ADOR.

these cortis kids mentioning newjeans
— zya (@haerinerrr) February 6, 2026

Hybe will not let them eat anything for the next month now
— 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

Soon after, many pushed back. Fans argued Keonho never actually said “NewJeans” but the Korean pronunciation of “New Zealand” sounded similar. They said the moment was blown way out of proportion.

“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
— (@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
— yoOo MENTION ME (@harumanyogi183) February 7, 2026

The moment exploded because NewJeans is a sensitive subject in HYBE fandoms. A tiny verbal slip caused rumors, jokes, and serious speculation.