NCTzen, the fandom of global boy group NCT expressed their frustration about the recent status of Sungchan and Shotaro, who debuted in 2020.
NCT Shotaro, Sungchan 'Lack of Promotion' Draws Criticism
Sungchan, Shotaro (News1)
On June 10, an article titled, "How NCT 2020 Debut Members Are Doing" was posted on an online community following SM Entertainment's announcement that they will start recruiting new members for the large-scale team.
In the article, the author wrote a lengthy complaint about how Shotaro and Sungchan. They are the newest members of NCT who joined in 2020 and they have little to no activities since their group promotion ended.
The writer wrote:
"Two members made their debut with NCT 2020. Member Sungchan worked on a music show for two weeks with the NCT U's song "90's Love." But since then, there has been no participation in any NCT title songs, and there has been no stage unless it is a year-end award ceremony."
"I expected that there would be activities for him with NCT 2021 coming out after that, but there wasn't. Of course, he participated in the group song, " Beautiful" but even that song didn't have a promotion.
Although there were few individual activities, and his work as SBS 'Inkigayo' MC, he also left on March 27. He could have had a regular schedule and special stage through that.
In regards to the other member Shotaro, the poster also emphasized that the rookie barely has any schedule aside from the "Make a Wish" promotion and his participation in the group's year-end performances for two weeks.
Shotaro (News1)
Although he was able to participate in the song, "Universe" in 2021, he was only able to join the promotion once during "Inkigayo" since it overlapped with their year-end stages.
"Since then, both members have participated in less than 10 activities after NCT 2020. There have only been two magazine shoots and one commercial. It's been three years since their debut, but Sungchan has been active for two weeks and Taro (Shotaro) has been active for three weeks."
Furthermore, the author highlighted that compared to other members who have fixed sub-units such as NCT 127, NCT Dream, or WayV, Shotaro and Sungchan weren't part of any.
This sparks concern that for now, both members can only become active if all NCT members can participate.
"It's a pity that even idols who debuted at the agency are not properly cared for and are left unattended."
Internet users who heard the news conveyed sympathy and commented:
"The system seems to be a bit like that."
"If you can't handle it, I'll let you debut as a new idol."
"I'm getting frustrated as a fan."
"I'm so sorry for the members."
"It's a waste of time."
SM Entertainment Opens Recruitment for New NCT Members
In particular, this discussion of "lack of promotion" sparked when the agency released a teaser poster on the same day, with the words, "Welcome to the NeoCity."
According to the announcement, aspiring male idols born from 2001 to 2008 can participate, regardless of nationality. At the end of the audition, those who will win the final round will be given the opportunity to debut as NCT.
Fans highlighted that while the project grows bigger as the years go by, some members are being "neglected" such as Shotaro and Sungchan.
