NCT and SEVENTEEN caught in controversy after a yacht photo goes viral, sparking fan backlash.
On August 8, a photo surfaced online showing NCT’s Doyoung, Johnny, Mark, Jungwoo and SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan and Seungkwan allegedly on a yacht tour in Hawaii. The image went viral, gaining over 1.5 million views as fans, especially CARATs and NCTzens, sought updates after some NCT members did not return to Korea following KCON LA on August 1.
Fans were relieved to see them doing well, but controversy quickly followed.
A major point of concern: Jeonghan is currently serving in the military under alternative service due to an ankle injury. Some fans demanded the photo be taken down to avoid unnecessary trouble or misunderstandings.
Others flagged the photo as possibly taken by sasaeng fans, sparking debates about idol privacy and ethics around sharing unofficial images.
“This. First time I saw the photo it was very sus already.
Feels like a saesang. Don’t engage.
We all love our Jeonghan and Seungkwan with their friends. But they are entitled to their privacy, too.” — Sebong Pocas
“Their personal time is not for your clout. Please respect their privacy and be considerate of their current status. Hating on ssngs but being so quick to spread a photo from who knows where, even using hashtags for more engagement. Are you here for them or for your hit tweets?” — Sigtryggr
“You all will claim to be against ssngs but will post and spread things from unofficial sources for clout even if it might get your faves in trouble. How about walk the talk and use your brains? If it’s personal time, then it should remain private unless they themselves post.” — tokkiflame
Fans remain divided, with many urging respect for Jeonghan’s military service and privacy, while others want transparency on the whereabouts of certain NCT members who have been lowkey since KCON LA.
Jeonghan enlisted last year and is currently fulfilling alternative military service because of a previous ankle injury.
This situation continues to stir discussion among fandoms as everyone monitors the fallout from the leaked photo.
