Don't know where to post this, but I'm also sorry.
I'm kinda feeling tensed about NCT, which is stupid because they're one of the biggest kpop groups atm and are doing pretty well but it strikes me odd that the upcoming activities feel very rushed and sort of forced...? I mean I don't have to tolerate it or comment on it if I was bothered, I could just turn a blind eye but I don't know how to deal with it because hello? No ones talking about this?!!
Like NCT 2021 is less than a month away and we don't even have a full group in hand atm. (Not about Winwin btw, I'm 100% supportive of him and his dreams, I'd rather have him chase his dreams than to satisfy fans by having minimum screen time and no lines) And I want to bring up Lucas because the nctzen in me is obviously restless but as a decent human I shouldn't, because I can't ignore the rumors and just completely disregard the fact that he has some heavy allegations on his shoulders, to which I believe it's probably sensible to stay neutral and to wait for an official statement because there's a million different sides and stories to this.
Even if we completely ignore this member of the group, there's still faults in whatever is happening, we have two VERY overworked members, who have given nothing but the best to their fans, and a comeback that abruptly stopped promoting (????? why did the promotions end so soon for Favorite, it was the more well received comeback too??) We also have a single that's yet to be released, because a certain someone has a very questionable past.
We have like 6 weeks before 2022 and less that 3 before NCT2021 (essentially already started since they're putting out teasers and concept photos) And NCT127 has a whole TOURING happening in december, which obviously overlaps with the current schedule and further messes with the health of both Mark and Haechan (don't argue with me on this, it's too packed even for someone who hasn't had a comeback in a long time)
In what way is this supposed to help the group other than for the fact that this is an easy cash grab? Sure, if they put out the album this year, SM can easily sell over 2 million albums- and possibly even clear out schedules for next year in hopes that both Mark and Haechan can get a well deserved break, not to deny WayV can also get a boost from this event.
Not to add that NCTzens are not known for being united as a whole exactly. I'm very sure there's a bunch of fans who will boycott this comeback and dismiss the efforts of the other members who've worked their asses off with the argument that their "fav" members weren't participating. As much as I would wish for a more sensible fandom, I kinda agree with them saying there shouldn't be an NCT 2021 at all, we would've been perfectly happy with an NCT 2022.
Considering SM is already planning the debut of a new unit, and the fans are expecting new members (might I add, currently MIA members too) wouldn't it have been more sensible to just have an NCT 2022? Give us a clear answer on the whole Lucas situation, stop rushing things and let the members have their breaks- everything would fall into place if we just had the comeback next year. Both of the NCT (as a whole) albums released previously were once in two years, that looks good honestly! It spaces things out and gives everyone time to fully enjoy an era and prepare for the next. This is literally so unnecessary, if you want money come up with another idea, it's not like NCTzens won't enjoy other content as well.
I will support them, wholeheartedly, but as an observer it hurts a little to see this unfold.