After Korean fans and netizens called for NCT's Taeyong's dismissal from the group through a lengthy statement, saying that he is unfit to be a member of the group and be an idol in general, another wave of K-netizens pointed out how Taeyong is always the member in the center, and they are not happy about it.
In the group teasers for NCT U's "BOSS," they noted how Taeyong was the only one not standing. He is seen further front then the other members, crouching on the ground, at the center. On top of that, his hair is the brightest, which people think is an intentional way of paying attention to him.
In the NCT 2018 photos, which feature all the members of NCT from that year, Taeyong is also seen at the center. This has sparked anger amongst fans, who believe that all the members of NCT are talented and have clean records. They believe the other members deserve the center spot more.
In NCT 2018's "Black on Black" choreography, Taeyong is seen standing on top of member's backs at one point. Once again, he is at the center and stands higher than the other members, with two standing by his side and the others crouching on the ground.
For NCT 127's "Superhuman" group teaser, he is once again in the center.
People have also noted that he is the member who gets the most lines. While some have acknowledged that he is a good rapper, people question why he sometimes gets vocal lines when other members are much better and more capable as vocalists. Other members, like Johnny and Jaehyun, are also capable of rap, and fans think they deserve more lines.
Following the NCT Taeyong Withdrawal Support Association's statement calling for Taeyong's withdrawal, numerous netizens can't help but point out how SM Entertainment continuously put Taeyong at the center, despite being the member with the most controversies.
Netizens say that though he dances well and has outstanding visuals, he is not an irreplaceable member, and all the other members can pull off the center position as well. They think that despite his talents, they should let him go. One K-net said, "If SM has any conscience, then please let him leave the group. His scandal is causing damage to his victims and his members."
Other people have also said that even if he didn't have scandals, NCT would fail to reach new heights if SM Entertainment keeps on pushing Taeyong. "If SM had pushed Mark as the only center, NCT would have been better now," one netizen has said. "My heart loves NCT to death, even without him... So please, just leave the group."
Some also believe that due to SM Entertainment constantly pushing Taeyong as the center, the other members lose their chance of shining.
K-Netz have pointed out that the distribution in NCT Dream and WayV are much better than NCT 127 and cited Taeyong's membership in the group as a reason. A netizen said, "If they want to keep pushing him, let him go solo. What do the other members have to do while they keep pushing Taeyong?"
