Taeyong of K-pop group NCT sparked concern among his fans as his health condition seems to worsen in the days leading to the act’s upcoming NCT NATION: To the World tour.
After performing at the KCON LA 2023, Taeyong held a live broadcast wherein he updated fans with what he’s been up to lately. At one point of the livestream, he was seen trying to get up while appearing to look like he’s experiencing a lot of pain.
The idol then confessed that he’d been feeling weak and experiencing chest discomfort recently. Because of this, Taeyong shared that he’s apprehensive as to how he’ll perform at the group’s August 26 concert.
“I don’t know if I can perform well next week. I’m worried. I hope I get better by then,” he said.
On ig live Taeyong said that his chest hurts a bit.. ㅠㅠㅠ ..
🌹: next week I don't know if I can do well , I'm worried. ㅠㅠTaeyong looks hard to get up and occasionally holds his chest… Taeyong please take care yourself, your health is more important ㅠㅠㅠ pic.twitter.com/MIGTFpHLkk
— ᰔᩚ엘툥🧚🏻♀️🌹🌸 | elSHALALA💕 (@Elsplstrtyong) August 19, 2023
Seeing him struggling just to get up and how he hold his chest showing he was really in pain shatters my heart. I'm worrying a lot about him. His inhuman schedule won't be any lesser in the future. Please take care of your health and get enough rest Taeyong 😭 https://t.co/kxTLU2cv9O
— vie ❤️ SHALALA (@devskty) August 19, 2023
But what caused more worries among fans was that Taeyong had to fly out of the United States a day after his KCON LA 2023 stage to return to South Korea to resume his preparations for the group’s upcoming concert.
What frustrates fans even more was that the artist even arrived in the US on the day of his performance, proving that he’s following a very tight schedule. This incident then prompted discussions about NCT‘s hectic activities and well-being.
Taeyong and his grueling schedule
2023 saw Taeyong bloom as a solo artist while still doing promotions with NCT.
In June, he made his highly-anticipated solo debut with the EP Shalala. Additionally, he also had solo schedules such as attending Paris Fashion Week and performing at the KCON LA 2023.
On top of his solo ventures, he’s also actively participating with NCT’s group activities. In fact, he tried juggling his solo work and preparation for the group’s upcoming concert.
However, eagle-eyed fans noticed that Taeyong was notably absent from a group photo taken during rehearsals. Since fans were getting perplexed about his whereabouts, the idol explained that he had to visit the hospital.
🔥NCT in the House🔥#NCT #NCT_NATION#NCT_NATION_ToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/CFAi3TE4sJ
— NCT (@NCTsmtown) August 22, 2023
Additionally, the artist disclosed through the online cafe that he had to receive treatment because of cold and high fever. Instead of focusing on his health, though, he was more fretful about missing the rehearsals.
“There was no time to feel sick,” he wrote.
#TAEYONG BUBBLES
💭 Yesterday was a bit tough,
💭 But seeing Czennies helped me heal💭 Only my throat feels itchy, and everything else seems fine
💭 I get all the time nervous before a concert,
💭 but I never get sick … #태용 #이태용 #태용버블 #소툥소툥— TAEYONG 💭 (@tyong_bbl) August 23, 2023
Fans irked by SM Entertainment’s treatment of artists
Following Taeyong’s situation, fans took to social media to send their well wishes and prayers for the idol’s recovery.
Moreover, many of them called out SM Entertainment for not putting their artist’s health and safety their priority. Several pointed out that the agency didn’t even updated fans about the idol’s health status.
taeyong’s chest hurts and he’s been exhausted for days and u expect me to care about nct nation be serious here
— ً (@mrkyomi) August 19, 2023
Several were also scrutinizing at how the label just let their artists continue to do a series of rigorous activities despite not being in their best health conditions.
taeyong was in the hospital bc he had a high fever and they sent him back to a 14 hour practice after giving him an iv like they cant be serious
— ً (@mrkyomi) August 23, 2023
im happy how taeyong is being more upfront about their health like sm’s awful and inhumane management of artists has been hidden for years im just really glad that they are trying to call out sm as best as they can bc they know it’s not okay but they can only do so much https://t.co/WEyjxYin5Z
— 127nator (@hckism) August 23, 2023
taeyong just got out of the hospital and taeil is undergoing recovery, while most of the members’ health are getting more fragile too… being excited is not in most nctzens’ vocabulary anymore this is a mess honestly https://t.co/tw4aNvSHfj
— obrie ʕ •ᴥ•ʔゝ♥︎☁︎ (@winshenuori) August 23, 2023
im so sad i hate how despite literally going to the hospital taeyong is still emphasizing how important this is for nct like no its really not … his health is more important than anything
— ً (@mrkyomi) August 22, 2023
I hope taeyong knows he doesn't have to prioritise the brand over his health
— ruby (@tyongrubies) August 23, 2023
fever, scratchy throat, and now we see that he had an IV drip yet taeyong is still practicing at almost 2am. when will enough be enough and SM gets sued for negligence and not taking care of the health and wellbeing of their artist?
— dee-dee (@tytaped) August 23, 2023
However, what angered fans the most is that Taeyong isn’t the only NCT member who’s not feeling well. Taeil will be taking hiatus from group activities after he sustained a fracture in his thigh because of a motorcycle .
Aside from Taeyeong and Taeil, other members such as Winwin, Renjun, Haechan, Johnny, and Chenle were also experiencing health problems in the previous months.
Taeyong was in the hospital
Renjun is ill
Winwin was in the hospital
Taeil had an accident
Johnny just recovered
Haechan was in the hospital
Chenle doesn’t feel goodBut sm still keeps going 🫱🏼🫲🏽
— caro 🌻🍀 (@caro_xo_) August 24, 2023
Taeil, Taeyong, Winwin having hospital visits.
Mark & Haechan being incredibly overworked.
Johnny & Kun suffering injuries last month.
I’m sending all the love & good vibes I can. https://t.co/276x9IqgDK
— allie 💚 || golden age (@staytinyallie) August 24, 2023
Despite this, fans pointed out that SM Entertainment isn’t doing enough to make sure that their artists aren’t overworked.
Given that NCT has more scheduled activities set for the coming weeks, fans are asking for the agency to at least give the group a proper resting period.
Featured image: Taeyong in the teasers for NCT’s ‘Golden Age’ album. Credit: Facebook/NCT