Tag: NCT

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Netflix ‘One Piece’ Character Goes Viral For Resemblance To NCT’s Mark

The Netflix series features a One Piece character who looks like NCT member Mark Lee
The Netflix series features a One Piece character who looks like NCT member Mark Lee

Netflix has finally dropped the first season of its live-action adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s popular manga ‘One Piece’. And while most fans are gushing about the Straw Hats Pirates, NCTZENs are clamoring about one particular character. Since the series premiered, the surprise character has been compared to NCT member Mark for their unexpected resemblance.

‘One Piece’ Character Goes Viral For Uncanny Resemblance To Mark of NCT

In the live-action Netflix adaptation of ‘One Piece’, Monkey D. Luffy ends up on a ship holding the Alvida pirates led by Alvida. The first crew member he meets is a young boy named Koby who dreams of being a Marine. Although their dreams are polar opposites, Luffy and Koby form a friendship that helps them escape Alvida.

The live-action version of Koby is played by Morgan Davies but NCT fans are seeing someone else while watching the series. One TikTok user went out of their way to compare Koby to Mark Lee during NCT Dream’s “Chewing Gum” era.

Koby certainly looks like Mark Lee and the TikTok video has since gone viral. The video has since received over 127,000 views as fans reminisce about NCT Dream’s memorable era.

@firelordtay

I knew he looked familiar 🤔🤔🤔 #onepiece #onepieceliveaction #koby #gear5 #kpop

♬ Chewing Gum – NCT DREAM

Mark Lee is one of the most prominent members of NCT its sub-units NCT 127 and NCT Dream. He is also part of SM Entertainment’s supergroup SuperM. However, there was a time when he debuted with pink hair as a member of NCT Dream. While Mark has grown so much since then, NCTZENs are happy to look back at the truly fun era.

The new Netflix series adapts the first few chapters of Eiichiro Oda’s successful manga ‘One Piece’. It features Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Mackenyu as Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero Gibson as Usopp, and Taz Skylar as Sanji. The first season consists of eight episodes following how the Straw Hat Pirates came together. ‘One Piece’ is now streaming on Netflix.

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RIIZE’s Shotaro Reflects on Moving From NCT to Rookie Group

Former NCT member Shotaro discussed what it was like making the big move to the latest rookie group RIIZE

Shotaro opened up about his honest reaction to the big change in his career. The former NCT member discussed what it was like to debut in an established K-pop act. Shotaro Osaki then reflected on what he faced when he joined SM Entertainment’s new rookie group RIIZE.

Shotaro Reflects on Moving From NCT to Rookie Group RIIZE

Back in May, SM Entertainment issued a statement regarding Sungchan and Shotaro’s status in NCT. The company revealed that the idols, who joined the group in 2020, will join a new group. Since then, Shotaro and Sungchan went from members of an established group, NCT, to starting over in a rookie group, RIIZE.

But what was it like to make the big change for Shotaro? The Japanese idol discussed his thoughts during RIIZE’s debut event on September 4. First, Shotaro stated that he was proud to have been part of NCT.

“I had been promoting as a member of NCT before and it was such an honor for me to perform in that group,” he said. “I really appreciate the fans and members for supporting me.”

Shotaro continued by admitting he is happy and excited to be a part of RIIZE.

“And now I’m debuting as RIIZE, I’m so happy to debut with the members I practiced with,” he said. “I’m excited for us to show you many things in the coming days. We’re also preparing a lot of things for you, so please look forward to them.”

Jung Sungchan and Osaki Shotaro debuted as part of NCT on October 12, 2020. They were featured as part of the group project NCT 2020 and participated in the album ‘NCT 2020 Resonance Pt. 1’. SM Entertainment initially planned for the two idols to become a part of a new NCT unit.

RIIZE released their debut single album ‘Get A Guitar’ and the title track of the same name on September 4, 2023.

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Taeil and Haechan Release Teaser for NCT Lab Project ‘N.Y.C.T’

Taeil and Haechan poses for the concept photos of their duet under NCT Lab. Credit: Twitter/NCT

NCTzens, get ready for this amazing team-up! NCT 127 members Taeil and Haechan are joining forces to release their first NCT LAB track, which will be titled “N.Y.C.T.”

On Monday, September 4, SM Entertainment unveiled more concept teasers for Taeil and Haechan’s upcoming duet. Aside from individual photos, other pictures also showed the two members posing together.  

 

An abbreviation for New York City, “N.Y.C.T” is an R&B pop song. The two vocalists, who are known for their soulful singing, have also participated in composing and writing the song. 

Although it will be officially released on September 7, Taeil and Haechan first performed “N.Y.C.T” during NCT127’s Neo City: Seoul The Link+ concert in October 2022. 

 

Moreover, fans are looking forward for the duet since it served as member Taeil’s first release following a motorcycle accident. Currently, the idol is on hiatus to focus on his recovery.

What is NCT LAB?

NCT LAB is a SM Station series allowing NCT members to release their self-composed solo and unit tracks outside of regular NCT albums.

As of this writing, NCT LAB has a total of seven tracks. 

Additionally, the project was first announced on January 27, 2022. It immediately kicked off a few days after with its first release: “Child” by member Mark.

Meanwhile, its first unit song “coNEXTion (Age of Light)” was sung by members Doyoung, Mark, and Haechan. Said song also featured a performance by Shotaro, who is now a member of RIIZE.  Then, it was followed by another unit song “Rainy Day,” which was performed by Kun, Taeil, and Yangyang. 

 

For the rest of 2022, NCT LAB released two more tracks. Jaehyun showed off his angelic vocals with “Forever Only” while Ten exhibited his powerful dance skills with “Birthday.”

In 2023, Mark and Jaehyun both released their second NCT LAB solo tracks. Mark proved his versatility as a performer with the hit “Golden Hour,” while Jaehyun blessed the fans’ ears yet again with the R&B song “Horizon”.

Taeil and Haechan’s upcoming duet track will now be NCT LAB’s eight official release.

Moreover, SM Entertainment also confirmed more upcoming NCT LAB songs including a solo track by Kun, and another unit song by Kun, Xiajun, Renjun, and Chenle. Although, details about these upcoming NCT LAB songs have yet to be released. 

In other news, NCT returned as a full group with the fourth album Golden Age and held their first full group offline concert NCT NATION: To The World. Currently, NCT 127 is gearing up to make a comeback with their fifth album, Fact Check, in October. 

Featured image: Taeil and Haechan poses for the concept photos of their duet under NCT Lab. Credit: Twitter/NCT 

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Look: NCT’s Jungwoo Selected as First Korean Male Ambassador of TOD’S

TOD's welcomes NCT's Jungwoo to their brand. Credit: Twitter/TOD's

Jungwoo of K-pop boy group NCT has been tapped to be the newest face of Italian luxury fashion brand TOD’s. 

On Monday, September 4, TOD’s shared photos of the idol posing with the brand’s products as they announced that Jungwoo will serve as their first-ever Korean male ambassador.

In the caption, TOD’s mentioned that the artist “shares the same passion for timeless style and the contemporary spirit of the brand.” As an ambassador, Jungwoo will accompany TOD’sin many of the brand’s activities in South Korea.

Moreover, the singer also expressed his gratitude in being chosen to join the brand’s roster. “I am honored to be an ambassador representing TOD’s. I hope to experience the true Italian lifestyle through our future projects together,” he said. 

With the hashtag TODSxJungwoo, fans have sent their congratulatory messages for the idol for the latest partnership. 

 

Additionally, W Korea also shared photos and videos from their shot with Jungwoo while he’s wearing TOD’s pieces. 

 

Interestingly, Tod’s isn’t the only luxury brand that has tapped K-pop idols to be their global ambassadors. The list includes BTS’ V for Cartier, SEVENTEEN’s Vernon for Kenzo, and TWICE’s Dahyun for Michael Kors. Meanwhile, (G)I-DLE’s Miyeon and STRAY KIDS’ Hyunjin and Felix are also ambassadors for Jimmy Choo, Versace, and Louis Vuitton, respectively.

More of Jungwoo’s Activities

Aside from his new role as TOD’s ambassador, Jungwoo is also occupied in numerous NCT activities.

The 20-member boy group under SM Entertainment recently held their NCT NATION: To The World Seoul Concert in August. Then, they will continue the tour in Tokyo and Osaka this September.

Apart from this, the full group also released their fourth album Golden Age in August. This marked NCT’s first full group comeback in almost two years.

Currently, Jungwoo is busy preparing for NCT 127’s upcoming comeback on October 6. The sub-unit is set to release their unrivaled music with their fifth album, Fact Check.

Featured image: TOD’s welcomes NCT’s Jungwoo to their brand. Credit: Twitter/TOD’s

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Restaurant Employee Fired For Mocking NCT Dream’s Chenle

Aewol Restaurant has fired the employee who shared photos of the NCT members

A Seoul restaurant located in the prestigious Apgujeong district issued a formal apology following an incident involving derogatory language used by its employee in an Instagram story. The target of this offensive language was Chenle, a member of the popular group NCT Dream. Since then, the restaurant has confirmed that the staff member has been fired for their actions.

Chenle Gets Disrespected at a Restaurant

Chenle had visited Aewol Sikdang, a renowned establishment known for its expertise in preparing barbecued black pork from Jeju. The NCT member was joined by “EXchange” cast member Kim Tae Yi and the two set down to enjoy a meal together. However, an employee quickly recognized the celebrities and began posting their images on their Instagram story.

The invasion of privacy itself was already worrying but the employee made things worse by mocking Tae Yi. They also wrote derogatory terms about Chenle in one post, calling the Chinese idol “jjangkkae,” a rude Korean term similar to calling someone a “chink”.

Since then, the restaurant’s management expressed deep regret for the incident. In a statement posted on a new X account, they issued an apology to Chenle and Tae Yi. It was also confirmed that the staff member had been fired.

“This is Aewol Sikdang Apgujeong. We are deeply sorry to Chenle, Tae Yi, and their fans,” the statement read. “We believe that the mistake of one employee is the mistake of the entire restaurant. But we are firing the staff due to their unforgivable actions, and we have also personally directly apologized to Chenle, and have asked for his forgiveness. We are really sorry.”

It is unfortunate that Chenle and Tae Yi were disrespected during their visit to the restaurant. However, it is assuring that the restaurant has promised to take corrective action. Hopefully, they will foster a more respectful environment for all patrons, regardless of background or celebrity status.

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Fans Protest Against SM Entertainment for Alleged Mistreatment of NCT’s Jaemin

NCT's Jaemin in the teasers for 'Golden Age.' Credit: Facebook/NCT

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. 

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. 

 

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. 

 

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. 

 

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. 

 

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. 

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. 

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

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Watch: NCT U Makes Stylish Return With “Baggy Jeans”

"Baggy Jeans" is the second title track to NCT's Golden Age album. Credit: Twitter/NCT

NCT’s revolving sub-unit NCT U finally returned with new music on Monday, August 28, with the release of “Baggy Jeans.” 

Said track is one of the two title tracks of NCT’s fourth studio album Golden Age. The members featured in the sub-unit’s performance are Taeyong, Mark, Doyoung, Jaehyun, and Ten. 

 

Meanwhile, the other title track, “Golden Age,” was led by all 20 members of the group. Its cinematic music video was also released days ahead of the album. 

 

Aside from the two title tracks, Golden Age also has eight other tracks. The list  includes “Call D”, “PADO”, “The BAT”, “Alley Oop”, “That’s Not Fair”, “Kangaroo”, “Not Your Fault”, and an interlude track “Oasis.” 

Moreover, GOLDEN AGE serves as NCT’s first full group comeback in more than a year and a half. Their last was the studio album Universe that was released in December 2021. 

NCTzens misses NCT U

What really made “Baggy Jeans” special is that it marks the sub-unit’s first comeback in seven years. NCT U last came together in 2016 with their debut track “The 7th Sense.”

 

After the music video dropped, fans brought their sentiments to the social media where they shared how addicting the song is. Even the comment section is also packed with positive comments as fans enjoy the unit’s new music.

“Finally NCT U’s unit comeback again with an iconic song and choreography! The music video is also unique! I love it,” one fan commented. 

 

The whirlwind of activities in NCT Universe 

Prior to the release of Golden Age, the act also held their first-ever offline concert as a full group titled NCT Nation: To The World. The members carefully curated a 40-song setlist, including the live performances of their latest titles “Baggy Jeans” and “Golden Age”.

After their South Korean stop, NCT will take the tour to Osaka and Tokyo in Japan.

 

Additionally, NCT 127, another NCT subunit, also announced that they’re making a comeback in October with their fifth full-length album Fact Check. 

Earlier this month, NCT also announced four upcoming releases from its NCT LAB project. This includes a solo track titled “Horizon” by Jaehyun, which was already released. 

 

Other upcoming songs include a duet by Taeil and Haechan, a solo track by Kun, and another unit song by Kun, Xiaojun, Renjun, and Chenle. For those unfamiliar, NCT LAB is a SM STATION series which allows the members to release their self-composed solo and unit tracks.

As of writing, NCT has a total of five subunits: NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, NCT U, and NCT DoJaeJung. However, SM Entertainment earlier confirmed that they’re forming the group’s last sub-unit, NCT Tokyo. 

Through the reality survival series NCT Universe: Lastart, a six-member boy group will be formed. 

Featured image: “Baggy Jeans” is the second title track to NCT’s Golden Age album. Credit: Twitter/NCT

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NCT’s Taeyong Worries Fans With Recent Health Updates

Taeyong in the teasers for NCT's 'Golden Age' album. Credit: Facebook/NCT

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. 

 

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. 

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. 

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.  

 

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. 

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. 

https://twitter.com/staytinyallie/status/1694745128399728669

 

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

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SM Entertainment, Kakao to Release Nct Webtoon & Riize Web Novel

SM Entertainment's boy groups NCT and RIIZE will be having their webtoon and web novels. Credit: Twitter/SPOTV

SM Entertainment has partnered up with Kakao Entertainment to launch a webtoon and web novel for their K-pop boy groups NCT and RIIZE, respectively. 

On Thursday, August 17, Kakao Entertainment announced the news, saying that the projects will be in commemoration of NCT’s upcoming album and RIIZE’s anticipated debut. 

 

As for NCT, the full group will be releasing their fourth studio album Golden Age on August 28. All 20 members of NCT’s different subgroups; NCT 127, NCT Dream, and WayV, will take part in the album.

 

Additionally, the album will have two title tracks, including the full unit song “Golden Age.” Prior to the album release, NCT will also hold their first-ever offline concert as a full group on August 26. 

As for RIIZE, the seven-piece act will debut on September 4 with the single album Get A Guitar. Interestingly, RIIZE will serve as the agency’s first boy group in seven years following NCT.

 

What we know about NCT’s webtoon and RIIZE’s web novel 

According to a press release, the webtoon about NCT will be titled NCT: Dream Contact, while RIIZE’s web novel is called Rise & Realize. 

For NCT: Dream Contact, it’s going to be an omnibus-style webtoon that has a total of five episodes. It will follow NCT’s concept of people empathizing through dreams and becoming one through music. 

Writers ZQ, Seogeul, and Kim Ho Ae are in charge of the production. NCT: Dream Contact will be released simultaneously in Japan and North America via  via Kakao Webtoon and Kakao Page at August 18, 10 pm. 

On the other hand, Rise and Realize will be a web novel that have a total of eight episodes. It will be released on Kakao Page every Saturday starting August 19. 

Moreover, Rise and Realize will see the members of RIIZE as characters in the novel as they try to overcome growing pains. Writer No Gon and illustrator Nak Di created the novel. 

Furthermore, Kakao Entertainment expressed that it’s a “meaningful” collaboration with SM Entertainment. 

“We plan to continue to carry out various projects on storytelling IP targeting the global market in the future,” they said. 

Featured image: SM Entertainment’s boy groups NCT and RIIZE will be having their webtoon and web novels. Credit: Twitter/SPOTV

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Nct’s Taeil Takes a Break Due to Motorcycle Accident Injury

SM Entertainment shares a greeting for Taeil's birthday. Credit: Facebook/NCT

Taeil of K-pop boy group NCT will be taking a break from band activities after getting injured in a motorcycle accident. 

NCT’s agency SM Entertainment revealed the idol’s condition through a statement posted on Kwangya Club on Tuesday, August 15. 

In a Soompi report, the agency shared that Taeil was returning from his activities in the early morning of Tuesday when he got involved in a motorcycle accident. 

 

“He immediately visited a hospital for a detailed examination and treatment,” SM Entertainment was quoted as saying. 

However, the results of the medical examination showed that Taeil sustained a fracture in his right thigh. The doctors also advised the idol to get the necessary surgery. 

Despite this, the agency assured fans that the singer is currently in stable condition. He is also receiving proper treatment ahead of his surgery. 

With this, SM Entertainment announced that Taeil will be taking a hiatus to focus on his treatment and recovery. As a result, he no longer won’t be able participate in the NCT Nation: To The World concert happening on August 26. 

Fans wish for Taeil’s speedy recovery 

Following the announcement, fans quickly took to social media to hope for Taeil’s safe and speedy recovery. 

Related hashtags and phrases such as “Get Well Soon Moon Taeil” also became one of the top trending hashtags on Twitter. 

https://twitter.com/haefolders/status/1691300602301853696

Taeil is the main vocalist of NCT 127 and NCT U. 

Meanwhile, all NCT sub-units such as 127, DREAM, U, and WayV will join forces for their first offline full-group concert. In NCT Nation: To The World show, other diverse combinations of the NCT members, as well as full-group stages will be featured. 

Additionally, NCT as a full group is also releasing the album Golden Age. 

The album, their first full group comeback in more than a year and a half, will be released on August 28. Previews for some tracks included in Golden Age were also released in a press conference. 

Featured image: SM Entertainment shares a greeting for Taeil’s birthday. Credit: Facebook/NCT

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