NCT’s Jaemin is under scrutiny after a viral audio clip suggested he disrespected EXO’s Baekhyun’s solo album, leading to tension between fans. Here’s a detailed account of the incident.
Viral Audio Clip Sparks Controversy Between NCT and EXO Fandoms
On August 16, 2024, an audio clip featuring NCT DREAM’s Jaemin stirred up controversy among fans of both NCT and EXO. The clip, which rapidly gained attention online, allegedly captured Jaemin making critical remarks about EXO member Baekhyun’s solo album, “City Lights,” during a live broadcast celebrating NCT DREAM’s third debut anniversary.
The controversy began when Jisung, one of Jaemin’s groupmates, enthusiastically shared his admiration for Baekhyun’s album, mentioning that he had listened to it in its entirety. In response, Jaemin reportedly commented that while he had heard some songs, he did not enjoy them as much and added that he had yet to listen to the entire album. This statement did not sit well with Baekhyun’s fans, who felt that Jaemin’s comments were disrespectful, especially considering Baekhyun’s seniority and the respect typically afforded to senior artists in the K-Pop industry.
Baekhyun’s Departure from SM Entertainment and New Solo Endeavors
Earlier in 2024, Baekhyun made headlines by announcing his departure from SM Entertainment after years of being one of the company’s most prominent artists. He has since founded his own agency, INB100, where he continues to pursue solo activities. Despite his departure, Baekhyun remains a member of EXO and is still involved in group activities under SM Entertainment. Notably, fellow EXO members Chen and Xiumin have also joined INB100 for their solo careers.
In the same year, Baekhyun embarked on his first-ever solo Asia tour, kicking off on March 16, 2024, at the KSPO Dome in Seoul, South Korea. The tour has been a significant milestone in his solo career, allowing him to connect with fans across various cities. Additionally, Baekhyun is preparing for a solo comeback with his upcoming 4th mini-album, titled “Hello, World.”
Fans React to the Alleged Disrespect
Following the circulation of the audio clip, fans of Baekhyun expressed their disappointment and frustration on various social media platforms. Many criticized Jaemin for his perceived lack of respect towards Baekhyun, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a respectful relationship between senior and junior artists in the K-Pop industry.
On the other hand, Jaemin’s fans have come to his defense, arguing that the audio clip might have been edited to sound more critical than it actually was. They pointed out that such manipulations can easily distort the original context of his remarks. Despite these defenses, Jaemin continues to face significant backlash from netizens, who argue that even if the comments were less harsh, critiquing a senior artist’s work during a live broadcast could be seen as inappropriate.
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