In an eagerly awaited announcement, SM Entertainment revealed WayV's imminent comeback, sparking excitement among fans anticipating new music from the group after an eight-month hiatus.
However, the celebratory mood turned somber when it was disclosed that WinWin, a member of WayV, would be absent from the comeback due to scheduling conflicts with his filming commitments in China.
According to SM Entertainment's statement released on May 9, WinWin's involvement in a Chinese drama filming schedule prevents him from participating in WayV's upcoming album release in June. The news left fans disheartened, especially after eagerly awaiting the return of the group.
#WayV reportedly making their comeback in June 2024 pic.twitter.com/2K2xhC5rkc
— BOY GROUPS CHARTS (@kbgcharts) May 8, 2024
"We understand this news might be disappointing for fans looking forward to WayV's comeback. We sincerely ask for your understanding and support," SM Entertainment expressed in their statement.
"At the end of last year, I got told by the team that we would start preparing a new album in May... I was on the set, shooting my main scene, and I really couldn't adjust the time to participate in group activities," WinWin explained.
The revelation has stirred strong emotions among fans, with some expressing disappointment and others questioning SM Entertainment's decision-making process. While there is no evidence to suggest intentional exclusion, fans find it difficult to overlook the timing of the scheduling changes.
Sending all our love and support to both Winwin and WayV! 🩵
— WayV Airlines 🛩️ (@WayV_Airlines) May 10, 2024
sending a lot of love and support for WINWIN and WayV.
— Let's WINWIN (@soonyunqi) May 10, 2024
looking forward to WayV comeback and lets tune in for WINWIN upcoming dramas: The Shadow, Perfect Match and Moonlit Reunion!!
Sweet Games now available on wetv, wetv ytb, viki and hulu japan.
have a nice day y'all❤️💕
Wishing WinWin all the best in his activies! We will miss him a lot. Hope he knows we love him and will be there for him always ❤️
— Info WayV BR (@InfoWayvBR) May 10, 2024
we’ll always support you 😘
— 𝖼𝖺𝗋𝗂𝗇𝖺𝖾海石🌟 (@onri2yu) May 10, 2024
all the best for winwin and wayv 💗
— for hendery (@HENGC0RE) May 10, 2024
The controversy surrounding WinWin's exclusion prompted discussions within fan communities, including a Reddit post aiming to clarify any misunderstandings. WinWin himself emphasized his desire to participate and expressed regret over the situation, hoping for WayV's success in their comeback.
i know ww mad as hell that he cant participate… sm’s scheduling sucks https://t.co/3j9ClbH7O6
— aly 佩丽 🍮 (@visionalyy) May 10, 2024
Everyone needs to know that SM never contacts Winwin Studio about schedule conflicts. They even threatened Wwbar that they will make Ww suffer and ruin his schedules. They have already started. I hope y'all are smart enough to understand this, but qrts are proving the opposite. https://t.co/IlGd3ubOOI
— WINWIN 윈윈 Support Team (@VoteForWinwin) May 10, 2024
one again only disappointment from this company… https://t.co/OpyYGoeCKs pic.twitter.com/bKYI78r5xN
— haechanninie’s wifey🐻🌻🦁🍀 (@haechanie_wifey) May 10, 2024
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Written by Cassidy Jones.