NCT’s Jaemin Criticized for Selling Expensive Photos, Controversial Method for Charity?

Jaemin’s debut photo exhibition, “NARCISSISM – JAEMIN 1st EXHIBITION”, was held from June 29 to July 31. Initially planned to end on July 19, the exhibition was extended due to high interest from fans.

The exhibition, centered around the theme “NARCISSISM”, featured works focused on Jaemin himself, NCT DREAM members, and various landscapes. These works reflected Jaemin’s affectionate perspective and unique emotions captured since he started photography in 2018 over the past seven years.

Last month, Jaemin’s agency, SM Entertainment, announced on the fan community platform Weverse that some of the works would be sold. Three photos of landscapes in Virginia, USA, and Vietnam were priced at 850,000 won each, and eight portraits of NCT DREAM members were priced at 550,000 won each. Following the sales announcement, some of the public expressed disapproval due to the prices.

It’s not uncommon for singers to sell their art. Singer and painter Solbi is a representative figure in this field. She has consistently held exhibitions since her first in 2012. Solbi, who has been active as a painter for 12 years, confessed on KBS Cool FM’s ‘Park Myung-soo’s Radio Show’ in 2021 that her income from painting surpassed her earnings as a singer.

Although some criticized Jaemin for targeting fans for profit through his exhibition, this perspective overlooks several aspects. The exhibition’s proceeds will be entirely donated according to Jaemin’s wishes. The admission fee was only 10,000 won, and the extension of the exhibition was decided to accommodate fans who might not have been able to attend. The decision to sell framed works was also based on fan requests.

Purchasers of Jaemin’s works will receive his autograph and a certificate of authenticity. Only NCT DREAM fan club members can buy these works, adding significant value to the fans as the pieces come from Jaemin’s first exhibition as a photographer. Moreover, the inclusion of his autograph makes these items particularly appealing to fans. If the price seems unreasonable, fans can simply choose not to buy.

Importantly, it’s considered rude to determine the value of someone else’s work. Jaemin has consistently shown interest and affection for photography, using six different types of cameras depending on the situation. He even bought a special refrigerator to prevent mold growth on his cameras. The works in this exhibition reflect his passion and the unique perspective he has developed over years of photography.

Source: Daum