As someone who has been a K-pop fan of over 13 years, the veil of idols’ “perfect” images was lifted long ago.
May today’s news serve as another reminder (or new lesson) that at the end of the day, idols are just people - people we don’t know anything about. This is the second time someone from one of my ult groups has been involved in something like this. It’s no longer shocking, but will always be disappointing. I’ve followed NCT from the first SM Rookies announcement in 2013. This hurts.
To anyone defending Taeil, SM dropping him before this went public speaks volumes. I hope the victim(s) are safe, healing and receive the justice they deserve.
To any fans who biased Taeil and/or are experiencing this kind of realization for the first time, I’m sorry and I promise that with a bit of time, you will be able to enjoy NCT again.
(I will not be removing him from previous posts, but will no longer post/reblog content with him.)