In a recent article, Korean media outlet JTBC called for NCT’s matured attitudes. Recently, NCT member Haechan got into a controversy over indoor smoking. Recently, images of Haechan smoking an e-cigarette in the practice room were spread on various online communities. As reckless speculation continued, his agency SM Entertainment confirmed that Haechan used an indoor e-cigarette in the NCT 127 choreography practice content released on January 10th, and said, “The local public health center will impose a fine for the matter. We will be extra careful not to let this happen in the future.”
If Haechan’s indoor smoking was not seen in the video, he could have gotten away with it. Considering that the members who were with Haechan did not think it was a big deal, it is highly likely that Haechan’s indoor smoking was not the first time.
In addition, Haechan is currently in a state of severe tonsillitis and has temporarily suspended his activities to devote himself to recovery. Tonsillitis is a disease in which acute infection occurs as a bacterium in the tonsils when systemic resistance decreases. It is not an exaggeration to say that his usual smoking habit has an effect on his health. Due to the nature of their job, idols have to deal with tight schedules during their activities, so health care is essential. It seems hard for Haechan to avoid criticism of him neglecting his own health care.
Even before this controversy, NCT was under fire several times due to negative issues of some members. When Taeyong was accused of scamming of secondhand sites in middle school. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jaehyun was criticized for entering a restaurant and a bar in Itaewon with fellow male idol members. In December 2021, Mark, Doyoung, and Johnny got into a controversy over singing the track “Earthquake” when they received an emergency disaster text message informing of a 4.9-magnitude earthquake during a livestream.
Source: JTBC
