NCT’s Jisung apologized after facing backlash for mentioning former NCT DREAM member Mark during a recent live broadcast, while protest trucks criticizing the group later appeared outside SM Entertainment.
The controversy began after Jisung shared during a live stream that the six members of NCT DREAM recently went on a trip to Yangpyeong with Mark, who reportedly left the group in April. His comments quickly spread online and drew mixed reactions from fans.
Following the backlash, Jisung apologized via fan communication platform Bubble, Koreaboo reported.
While the exact contents of the apology were not fully shared publicly, the situation continued to escalate when protest trucks were later seen parked outside the SM Entertainment building.
The trucks carried strong messages criticizing members for continuing to mention Mark after his departure. Some banners accused the group of misleading fans and focusing too much on their friendship with the former member.
One message read: “Group name is not 7DREAM, it’s NCT DREAM. Move away.” Another said: “If you don’t have the will to do NCT DREAM properly, say so now so we can stop stinging.”
The organizer behind the protest trucks also shared his reasoning online, saying, “Common sense as an idol not to mention ex-members of the group’s fans is key.”
Fans are divided over Jisung’s protest truck controversy
The incident has since divided fans in online communities. Some agreed with the protest, claiming that idols usually avoid talking about former members after they leave. Others felt that criticism of Jisung and the group had gone too far.
Several comments in support of the protest questioned why members continued to mention Mark publicly. Some fans also criticized previous concerts and accused the group of creating emotional moments centered on their bond with the former member.
At the same time, many fans defended Jisung and the other members. Some argued that friendships shouldn’t suddenly disappear due to contract changes or group outings. Others called the protest trucks unnecessary and harsh.
“Personal relationships are hard to control,” one fan wrote online. According to KPopHit, another commented, “People actually spend money on these trucks… they just don’t.”
As of now, neither SM Entertainment nor the other members of NCT DREAM have made any further public statements regarding the protest trucks.
