Just like RM and Jungkook from BTS, the NCT member – Taeyong also sparked controversy for smoking out in the streets of Japan. Videos of the same went viral on the internet, with many people criticizing him for doing so. Well, one should not invade anyone’s privacy. What did Taeyong say?
Taeyong is a versatile Kpop star, rapper, and dancer who made his debut with the boy band – NCT in 2016. He is the leader of its sub-group, NCT 127, managed by SM Entertainment. Originally known as Lee Tae-Yong, he is now 28 years old, born in Seoul. Besides NCT, Taeyong also serves as a member of another supergroup- SuperM.
Talking more about Taeyong, he also earned quite fame in his solo career. It was in June 2023, he made his official solo debut with his extended play- Shalala. Did you listen to it?
Besides music, NCT member Taeyong also made appearances in television shows. In 2021, he served as the judge of Street Woman Fighter. This year, he became the global ambassador of the luxury brand- Loewe.
Moving on to Taeyong’s smoking controversy, which started after the clips of the same initially went viral on the Korean forum Pann Nate. Naturally, when it was about the famous Kpop idol, it caught the attention of the netizens easily.
Kpop Idol Taeyong’s “Smoking Controversy” Discussed
“Smoking is injurious to health, and it causes cancer.” We all are aware of this saying. But how many people on this earth listen to it? Very few.
Concerning the NCT’s Kpop star, Taeyong, the video that surfaced online showcased him smoking out in the streets of Japan. It’s not about his age, but the act is deemed to be illegal in the country. To the newbies, it also may incur fine charges unless conducted within designated smoking areas.
It’s Taeyong’s life, and he is more important as an adult. No one has anything to say. But, what caused a stir was after a netizen spotted Taeyong allegedly discarding his cigarette butt on the streets. People criticized the NCT leader for this and seemed to be very much disappointed. The video went viral on 2 December 2023.
Following the series of controversies related to Kpop idols smoking out, some netizens also claimed that South Korea should have strict rules and regulations on street smoking. In other words, this is something that Japan has, and people living in the country are very aware of the laws.
Even in Taeyong’s case, fans seemed to be divided based on their opinions. As mentioned above, some criticized him for littering outdoors in Japan. On the other hand, some fans defended him, saying that there was no such solid evidence.
Therefore, the accusations made against the Kpop idol turned out to be vague for many. On this note, one fan wrote, “He is a grown man. Let him be.” Another wrote, “That doesn’t even look particularly like Ty. That just looks like some average Asian guy. Get us some real proof?”
It was not the first time though. Back in February 2023, NCT leader Taeyong sparked the same smoking controversy. To be more particular about the incident, the idol was spotted vaping an electric cigarette after NHK’s program Venue101 posted behind-the-scenes photos of the NCT 127 members following their Ay-Yo promotions.
One person claimed that the smoking culture in South Korea is huge and should be prohibited, as many other countries did.
What did the NCT leader say? Well, Taeyong stayed tight-lipped and didn’t pass any comment on this matter. It seems like he is dealing it with intelligence, avoiding it as if he is not involved in the case.
Best Wishes to Taeyong for the upcoming days. Make sure to follow this NCT star, Taeyong, on his Instagram account for more updates.
