Amidst the ongoing promotional activities for the album Golden Age, several fans have called out SM Entertainment for allegedly not giving fair and equal treatment for NCT’s Jaemin.
With the hashtags “Respect Jaemin as artist,” “SM be fair to Jaemin,” and “Jaemin deserves better,” fans have listed down their complaints for the agency’s supposed unfair conduct towards the idol.
Must protect at all cost. 🥺💚
RESPECT JAEMIN AS ARTIST#SM_BeFairToJAEMIN#JaeminDeservesBetter
— Bey 🐰 (@cz_renminana) August 28, 2023
SM Entertainment’s alleged behavior towards NCT’s Jaemin
According to fans, there have been multiple instances wherein SM Entertainment’s treatment of Jaemin has been concerning.
One of the listed circumstances was during NCT DREAM’s promotional activities for their third studio album ISTJ. Eagle-eyed fans claim that Jaemin’s TikTok challenge videos were predominantly shot on the filming sites for the group’s music video or concert venues. However, fans pointed out that the idol already mentioned that he did the challenge with other artists. But a quick scroll on NCT DREAM’s TikTok account would show that it wasn’t uploaded.
Please help mass report on Kwangya 119 for JAEMIN with template : https://t.co/33BYhb4bpI pic.twitter.com/sbEJxawEXZ
— hourIy jaemin (@hourlyjaeminn) August 28, 2023
Next, fans also noticed that Jaemin was the only member who used the same photo for the poster of NCT Nation: To The World. Other NCT members had different concept photos in the several posters. Aside from the poster, other fans also mentioned that Jaemin was once excluded in a VCR, too.
honestly, I know I’m not the only one who thought they were uploading the same pictures as the ones in the poster just to find out they uploaded a different one after seeing this.. why is it always Jaemin tho💔 from his own group to even the brand as a whole lmfao pic.twitter.com/K6hIrRHLZi
— 🐱 (@seimeizu) August 24, 2023
“member with the least lines on ALL albums” like for the ENTIRETY of his career? And people want us to be chill with it??? he’s treated like this as an idol yet he’s not even allowed to go in other fields?
RESPECT JAEMIN AS ARTIST#SM_BeFairToJAEMIN#JaeminDeservesBetter pic.twitter.com/ZvKxtMMShm
— 💌 (@najaemous) August 28, 2023
Additionally, fans raised the alarm about Jaemin’s styling. A compilation of his previous wardrobe and looks showed that most of his outfits were repetitive. More than not being given accessories, fans were more worried about the clothing and shoes that the idol used that are bigger than his size.
continuously given loose pieces in styling, never given enough opportunities for his talents & is always being held back. we are tired that an artist who always gives his all can’t even get the bare minimum back.
RESPECT JAEMIN AS ARTIST#SM_BeFairToJAEMIN#JaeminDeservesBetter
— ꕤ (@njmhae) August 28, 2023
But what really dismayed the fans was the lack of opportunities for Jaemin to act or be a brand ambassador. Even hough he already received an acting award, he hadn’t had any recent engagements for dramas or any brand deals.
idk sometimes i weirded tf out cause ain't no way a NA JAEMIN doesn't get offer from brand deals and acting gig https://t.co/N4qI1XK4wd
— ade ✮ (@jaemzcity) August 22, 2023
Because of this, fans couldn’t help but air out their discontent for the agency. In fact, some fans even sent protest trucks in front of SM Entertainment’s building.
We protest against the UNFAIR treatment of artist Jaemin.
Protest truck by JaeminBar in front of SM building.#JaeminDeservesBetter@SMTOWNGLOBAL @NCTsmtown @NCTsmtown_DREAM #JAEMIN #재민 pic.twitter.com/TBRsHFJ5J6— hourIy jaemin (@hourlyjaeminn) August 28, 2023
However, the label has yet to react or acknowledge the issue.
Dramas in NCT Land
Nonetheless, Jaemin’s situation isn’t the only controversy surrounding an NCT member recently.
And we will keep urging @SMTOWNGLOBAL until they fix their problems and treat jaemin as he deserves. Keep dropping the tags ❤️🔥
RESPECT JAEMIN AS ARTIST#SM_BeFairToJAEMIN#JaeminDeservesBetter
#재민 https://t.co/u20rPFNswS— hourIy jaemin (@hourlyjaeminn) August 29, 2023
Currently, SM Entertainment is pursuing legal action against an individual who trespassed into Jaehyun’s hotel room.
Meanwhile, fans were also concerned about the members’ health conditions. They also slammed the agency for not putting the artist’s health and safety their priority.
That is because Taeyong has complained about having chest discomfort, while Taeil sustained a fracture in his thigh because of a motorcycle . Moreover, other members such as Winwin, Renjun, Haechan, Johnny, and Chenle were also experiencing health problems in the previous months.
Despite the series of issues though, NCT still remains to be booked and busy. They’ve been releasing music videos for the tracks for Golden Age.
Also, they’re set to embark on the Japan stops for their concert tour. As for NCT 127, another NCT subunit, they’re making a comeback in October with their fifth full-length album Fact Check.
In early August, NCT also announced four upcoming releases from its NCT LAB project.
Featured image: NCT’s Jaemin in the teasers for ‘Golden Age.’ Credit: Facebook/NCT