Korean netizens are reflecting back on an unexpected protest truck sent to KBS and SM.
On an online forum, netizens have been sharing their thoughts on an incident that occurred earlier this year, revolving around a fansite's fraudulent activities following the release of NCT Taeyong's solo mini-album. According to netizens, Taeyong's Chinese fansite, known as Taeyong Bar, engaged in a scam designed to boost the number of bulk album purchases for his solo debut.
For instance, a netizen revealed that the website sold each album for about 5,000 won per copy, lower than the original price of 20,000 won, and failed to ship out the albums as promised. Chinese fans who fell victim to this scam reported the website, resulting in the arrest of the individuals associated with Taeyong Bar by the Public Security Officer.
As a consequence, Taeyong's Chinese Bar was shut down. However, the fans who had purchased the albums were left without refunds. In a display of frustration, one fan went to great lengths by sending a protest truck all the way to South Korea. The truck was positioned in front of the KBS and SM buildings to raise awareness about the issue.
Addressing the public, the fan urged people "not to support Taeyong Bar solely based on Taeyong's association," noting that Taeyong had allegedly mentioned this fanbase on Bubble multiple times.
Reactions poured in:
"Why am I so embarrassed"
"It's been a while since this happened..."
"First time I'm seeing this news though lol"
"I heard they thus did not do any bulk buying for (NCT 127's) 'Fact Check' either"
"Whoa this happened earlier this year in the summer and how come I never knew about this"
"Why is he keep getting associated with fraudulent activities.."
"It's important to remember that it's not Taeyong's fault and that it's his fans that are protesting -- not a fan of another member"
"I'd just be embarrassed if I were the artist himself.."
"I hear that the Taeyong Bar has already been sued by two different people"