NCT Taeyong is currently facing severe criticism following an Instagram Story that many fans linked to his group's ongoing collaboration with Starbucks.
The controversy erupted on May 30 when Taeyong, who is currently enlisted in the military, featured the word "Boycott" in his now-deleted Instagram Story.
Taeyong's instagram story
— Dyva (Rest.) 🌸 (@captainuwu) May 30, 2024
"Boycott"
Let's continue to speak up everyone 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/Fnm7fn1dIc
This post quickly ignited a firestorm of reactions online, with many interpreting it as a stance against the Starbucks collaboration due to the brand's association with ongoing boycotts in support of Palestine.
The post gained traction rapidly, with a significant portion of fans praising Taeyong for taking a stand despite the potential professional risks involved, especially given his status as an enlisted idol.
However, the response from netizens was far from unanimous.
Taeyong has stopped drinking SB since the boycott started and now even he’s in the military and has only few hours to use his phone he’s still being the only one who speak up and posting it on his IG declaring that he’s indeed boycotting sb and NOT supporting any collaboration. pic.twitter.com/kR4F4pMq1v
— Din (@Ieetaesthetic) May 30, 2024
But he still promoted Puma with other members. And then he didn't say anything. Perhaps 'cos the manager would have deleted his post not after 20 min, but immediately? I'm glad he speaks now, but people somehow forgot he didn't say anything when he was under Puma's contract.
— 🇺🇦🌻૮₍ .◜◡◝₎ა🌻🇺🇦 (@ill_be_ur_home) May 30, 2024
On social media, people criticized Taeyong for what they saw as a reckless and selfish act that could harm NCT's image and the interests of his fellow group members.
Comments ranged from disappointment to outright anger, with some accusing Taeyong of not considering the repercussions of his actions on the group's collective image and their collaborative efforts.
One commenter stated:
"Would other members want to see fans leaving? They're probably just staying quiet because of the images haha.
Ah, seriously, NCT's image is really taking a hit."
Another criticized him more harshly, saying:
"The leader acting like he doesn't care about the other members, even while in the military. The king of selfishness."
The backlash highlights the complex landscape K-pop idols navigate when engaging in social or political discourse.
While some fans laud their idols for speaking out, others expect them to maintain a neutral stance to protect their careers and the group's interests.
Boycott what ? Be brave and name it
— 🍮 (@NotHerAgainDamn) May 30, 2024
he only has 3 hours of phone time during his day and he used it for good even though it could have repercussions from both the military and SM. that’s how you stand on business pic.twitter.com/HR5tWgYKi9
— vexie 𝖆𝖙𝖊 ✯ 🥠복 (@nyanrachas) May 30, 2024
Taeyong's case is particularly challenging, as his position as the leader of NCT amplifies the impact of his actions on the group's reputation.
This incident also underscores the delicate balance idols must strike between personal beliefs and professional responsibilities.
In the highly scrutinized world of K-pop, where idols' every move is monitored and often dissected by both fans and detractors, the consequences of speaking out can be severe.
Taeyong's situation reflects the broader debate within the K-pop community about the roles and responsibilities of idols in social and political issues.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Cassidy Jones.
