Comebacks are generally an exciting time for K-pop fans. Although NCTzens had high anticipation for NCT 127’s Fact Check album, the excitement was immediately cut short due to SM Entertainment’s alleged poor management of the group.
NCT 127 returns with ‘Fact Check’
On October 6, NCT 127 unveiled their fifth full-length album Fact Check. Consisting of a total of nine tracks, the album received a warm response due to the group’s distinct musical style. However, fans were perplexed to see the significant drop of the album sales as compared to the group’s previous records.
According to a Korean Sales Tracker, Fact Check recorded sales of 256,800 copies on its first day. Then, for its following days, it even recorded less sales ranging from 6,000 to 15,000 each day.
[HT] NCT 127 (@NCTsmtown_127) 5th Full Album <Fact Check>
DAY 1: 256,803
DAY 2: 006,746
DAY 3: 015,226
DAY 4: 007,639TOTAL: 286,414 #NCT127 #엔시티127 pic.twitter.com/ygq2YcNE5V
— KOREAN SALES (@koreansales_twt) October 9, 2023
The numbers showed a shocking change in contrast to the group’s previous albums. In 2021, Sticker achieved an impressive 2.4 Million first-week sales. Meanwhile, 2 Baddies recorded a remarkable 1.5 Million copies within the initial week.
NCTzens criticism towards SM Entertainment
With the drastic difference, the group’s fanbase, NCTzens, were quick to call out SM Entertainment for their historical problem with mismanaging stocks.
According to fans, the insufficient production of the album has caused delays in delivering the products to the public.
Additionally, NCTzens took their disappointment to social media and demanded better service by trending the hashtag #RestockFactCheckAlbums.
SM had no problems with albums stocks, had no problems releasing and sending out pre orders albums on the first day and had no problems with delays when the previous groups who just had a comeback but when it comes to NCT 127 suddenly EVERYTHING is not going right? https://t.co/7a4qQ3Mnfn
— unmyeongz 🌷 (@dmpljae) October 6, 2023
We demand you to check & fix the album distribution issues. RESTOCK FACT CHECK ALBUMS NOW. Stop the evident negligence & incompetence when it comes to NCT 127. You are causing inconvenience to everyone.#RestockFactCheckAlbums@virginmusic @UMG @SMTOWNGLOBAL @SMTOWN_USA pic.twitter.com/dSeyI43mRN
— — (@iniintankok) October 9, 2023
https://twitter.com/joyin127/status/1710833092209070269
Moreover, NCTzens were frustrated to learn that NCT 127 would not be performing on popular music shows including MCountdown and Inkigayo on the first week of their comeback, limiting the supposed promotion for the album.
M COUNTDOWN broadcast in the second week of 127's comeback will most likely be cancelled too due to M COUNTDOWN in Paris https://t.co/WVZ0oAay08
— 링 (@NCTDAOYlNG) September 5, 2023
Aside from that, fans were also enraged with the sudden delay of release of Fact Check’s official music video. Supposedly released at 1PM, the video was pushed back to 3PM last October 6.
Following the postponement, SM Entertainment released an apology for keeping fans waiting. However, NCTzens were more disappointed to see that even the notice was delayed. According to the fanbase, this is not the first time NCT’s releases have been postponed.
now why is it that you give nct127 only one comeback a year and still manage to delay its release every single time?? https://t.co/n7yDi4UD04
— ⁰²melanie₁₂₇ (@amorkhei) October 6, 2023
Amidst the backlash SM Entertainment is facing, the agency has yet to make an official statement regarding the fans’ complaints.
Featured image: NCT 127 performs ‘Fact Check’ during the A Night of Festival event. Credit: Facebook/NCT 127