Korean media outlet JTBC has released an article calling out NCT for their "immature" behavior. This comes after the group members have faced several controversies.
Keep on reading for all the details.
JTBC Slams NCT for 'Immature' Behavior Following a String of Controversies
On January 16, 2024, JTBC released a news article criticizing the NCT members for their immature behavior.
Recently, images of member Haechan smoking an e-cigarette indoors in SM Entertainment's practice room went viral on social media and various online communities.
Amid reckless speculation over the images and videos, SM Entertainment released a statement on January 10 to confirm Haechan was smoking an e-cigarette indoors while NCT 127 was filming a choreography practice video. They added that the local public health center sent them a penalty due to Haechan's indoor smoking, and they plan to pay the fine. The agency added that they will make sure this does not happen again.
JTBC noted that if Haechan's indoor smoking was not caught on camera, he would have gotten away with it and not learned his lesson. Considering that the member who was with Haechan did not think it was a big deal and did not tell him off, it is highly likely that Haechan's habit of smoking indoors is nothing new.
Additionally, SM Entertainment previously announced Haechan would be going on hiatus since he was suffering from a severe case of tonsillitis. When systemic resistance declines, a bacterium in the tonsils causes an acute infection that results in tonsillitis. JTBC stressed that it is not an exaggeration to state that his habit of smoking has a great effect on his health.
Due to the nature of his job, idols have to endure rigorous choreographies and tight schedules. With that, taking care of their health is essential. With that, it makes sense that Haechan is being criticized for neglecting his own body.
Even before this controversy, JTBC noted that the members of NCT were under fire for different controversies.
Previously, Taeyong was accused of being a bully in middle school. Though that was debunked, it was discovered that he caused trouble by selling goods in poor condition on second-hand trading websites. Many accused the idol of scamming his buyers.
Jaehyun, on the other hand, was criticized for going to bars and restaurants with fellow male idols in Itaewon during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Afterwards, he apologized to fans via a handwritten letter posted to social media.
In December 2021, NCT held a live stream to celebrate the release of the group's third studio album, "Universe." While talking to fans, they received an alert on their phone that a 4.9-magnitude earthquake occurred in Seogwip-si, Jeju Island. When they received the alert, Mark, Doyoung, and Johnny started singing the NCT 127 song "Earthquake" and making jokes. The trio were slammed for being insensitive during a calamity.
What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below.
NCT Recent Activities
NCT's latest sub-unit, NCT New Team, is slated to make their debut in 2024. The group was originally composed of seven members, but Jungmin left the group in October due to health reasons. They will debut as a six-member group.
On August 28, NCT released their fourth studio album, "Golden Age." The members of NCT U's debut single "The 7th Sense" reunited for the song "Baggy Jeans." Later, the group held five full-group concerts titled "NCT Nation: To The World," performing at the Yanmar Stadium Nagai and Ajinomoto Stadium in Japan, as well as the Incheon Munhak Stadium in South Korea. NCT New Team opened for the Japan shows.
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Written by Alexa Lopez