NCT Wish‘s latest appearance on SBS PowerFM’s “Cultwo Show” radio program has sparked a heated debate over the idol group’s “consistently passive demeanor,” now leaving the members dubbed “rude” and “full of themselves.”
Following the radio appearance, media outlets reported that NCT Wish was unenthusiastic despite the DJs’ best efforts to share various stories and encourage responses. MBC commented, “The members’ soft voices and expressionless faces dampened the atmosphere of the show.”
When the DJs requested a challenge segment, only a few members participated while the rest simply watched without reacting, offering only faint smiles.
— MBC
Eventually, the DJs made pointed remarks, calling NCT Wish members “completely frozen” and thanking them for “continuing to promote despite having such difficult personalities.”
The appearance became a hot topic of discussion across online communities. The video of the episode in question saw a flood of comments criticizing NCT Wish members for “not even attempting to put in effort”—especially when compared to Chuu, their K-Pop sunbae.
- “You know, I’ve often held myself back, wondering if others might think I’m strange for trying hard. But watching this video makes me realize how pathetic that must have looked… No one has the right to mock someone who gives their all. They shine so brightly.”
- “Chuu is really likable.. I want to learn her social skills. She looks so cool and pretty, always responding sincerely.”
- “Yuta and Shotaro also faced language barriers early in their careers, but they kept smiling and looked like they wanted to interact. It’s hard to hate on people who try their hardest.”
- “Wow. Chuu is so beautiful. I came here as a Wish fan thinking this must be serious, but seeing Chuu made me realize how important mindset and attitude are in social life. This was meaningful in many ways.*
- “Their fans defending them as being ‘introverts’… Introverts around the world making minimum wage don’t act like that in public. Let alone people who grow their wealth thanks to the love and support from the fans and public? Please.”
- “People aged 19–24 are usually working part-time jobs or starting their careers. It’s strange how their fans baby them… Especially since they’re out here working in society too, lol.”
- “I feel like Baby Taeha* would speak better.”
*An Instagram star kid well known for how well spoken he is for his age
Some accused the boy group members of having “inflated egos” and being too full of themselves, while others noted that such a “bare-minimum” attitude is often seen in idols who appear to lack a sense of urgency after debuting from the bigger K-Pop agencies.
Despite NCT Wish fans rallying to the group’s defense, citing the members’ relatively young ages (and therefore their underdeveloped social skills) and language barriers as what caused the lack of enthusiasm, fellow K-Pop fans are not convinced.
- “Must be nice making a living as a male idol.”
- “They should do better… Hope they practice a lot.”
- “Their concept may seem young, but looking at their actual ages, they’re not even that young.”
- “They’re really unlikable.”
- “Dang…”
- “Why do people like them even become celebrities? If they don’t want to talk, they should quit and find a different job.”
- “If they were on Japanese shows, they’d be getting hit on the head and forced to make jokes and all. Yet here they are, comfortably enjoying that K-Pop idol life lol.”
- “What a mess…”
- “Why do fans have to baby them? This is business.”
- “They look like full-grown adults, so why is everyone acting like they’re babies? Are they even minors?”
This is not the first time NCT Wish has been called out for showcasing questionable attitude. Read more:
NCT Wish’s Riku Gets Called Out For Allegedly Ignoring A Fan At A Fansign