Earlier this month, NCT’s Haechan was seen at Incheon International Airport with his fellow NCT 127 members, preparing to fly to Jakarta for the group’s promotions. This sighting came as a shock to fans, as SM Entertainment had just announced the idol’s hiatus due to tonsillitis the day before. Despite Haechan telling fans about his recovery via DearU Bubble, the news of his return within less than twenty-four hours of the hiatus announcement raised concerns. This was particularly worrying given his back-to-back schedules with NCT Dream and NCT 127.

Fans, initially relieved that Haechan would get the rest he needed, were angered. They criticized SM Entertainment for allegedly overworking him and showing a lack of concern for their artists’ health. This sentiment grew after Haechan informed fans via DearU Bubble that he had been feeling sick and wasn’t in good condition to perform at NCT 127’s Nagoya, Japan concert on January 7.

@7llindream

just want him to be healthy ☹️ #haechan

♬ A Piece of You – Nathaniel Constantin

Haechan expressed his disappointment, saying, “I’m so bummed, I apologize. My fever went up to 39 degrees this morning, so I had no choice but to rest. I know I said I wouldn’t get sick anymore. I’m terribly sorry that I couldn’t keep that promise. But I’ll get well ASAP. I promise to take my meds, eat well, and recover soon!”

On January 10, SM Entertainment announced that Haechan had tonsillitis and would go on hiatus to recover. The agency stated, “Haechan flew to Korea from Japan on January 8 due to flu-like symptoms, a fever, and body aches. The hospital revealed he had a severe case of tonsillitis and that he needed ample rest. Haechan will be taking a rest to fully recover and heal. Decisions about his future activities will be based on his health condition.”

What happened to Haechan?

But just a few hours after the announcement, Haechan updated his fans. He said he was on the road to recovery. “I think I’m halfway there. Before, it was painful to even drink water. But yesterday, once I got to Korea, I got my shots and took the meds on time. And my mom has been basically forcing me to eat all her food. Drinking a lot of water and sleeping a lot have been helping, too. I’m getting better, for sure. I’m sorry for making you all wait, and I promise to make a full recovery ASAP so I can see you all!”

While fans were happy to hear that the idol was getting better, they didn’t expect him to be back on schedule so soon. On January 11, the NCT 127 members were seen at the airport. They were leaving for their concerts in Jakarta, Indonesia on January 13 and 14. NCTzens were surprised to see Haechan with them. 

NCT 127, Incheon International Airport DEPARTURE

Given that it had been only a day since the idol properly went on hiatus, fans were angered by the situation. They criticized SM Entertainment, accusing the agency of pulling Haechan out of his rest period too soon. They’ve also been demanding answers from the agency on social media. Meanwhile, NCT 127 has since returned to Korea. Fans hope Haechan can get some rest before hitting the road again.

In other news, NCT 127 is set to perform in the Philippines on January 21, 2024, at the Philippine Sports Stadium. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The fans want nothing more than for Haechan to get well. Source: X/@dreamleeline.