Fans Surprisingly Defend SM Entertainment After Last-Minute “SMTOWN LA” Performance Cancellation
In a rare turn of events, fans have come to the defense of SM Entertainment after NCT Wish’s appearance at the upcoming SMTOWN LIVE 2025 concert in Los Angeles was canceled.
SM Entertainment’s announcement came on the afternoon of May 9 in California, just two days before the concert on May 11. The agency stated that “despite our best efforts, there was an unexpected delay in the approval process, and the visas were ultimately not issued in time.” The statement claimed that SM Entertainment had completed all the necessary steps of the visa process and that the reason for the delay was unclear.
We regret to inform you that NCT WISH will not be participating in SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in L.A. due to visa issues.
In preparation for this performance, we thoroughly completed all necessary steps to secure visa approvals, including submitting the required documents and attending…
— SMTOWN (@SMTOWNGLOBAL) May 10, 2025
Naturally, many ticket holders were frustrated and disappointed by the news, especially those traveling nationally and internationally to attend the show.
장난하지마 나 방금 공항내렸어… pic.twitter.com/rLGOeeQTEn
— 새콤 (@sSaeKom) May 10, 2025
Don’t mess with me, I just got off the plane at the airport…
@sSaeKom via X
However, while fans are typically quick to point out SM Entertainment’s mistakes and demand accountability, many have surprisingly defended the company against criticism. For one, while many have insisted that the company should have been better prepared in advance, several netizens who have experience with the visa process say that this isn’t always possible.
I thought it was kind of common sense to have those visas locked in BEFORE you start announcing shows and lineups abroad pic.twitter.com/tiLaGiwQL3 https://t.co/JOyDNYC2WY
— yomiverse 🩵 (@CENTERlTUS) May 10, 2025
For example, P-1 visas (which are typically required for international entertainment groups performing in the US) have strict timing requirements. Artists can only apply after filing an I-129 form, which must be submitted no more than six months before the performance date. With current form processing times averaging up to four months, agencies may be left with an extremely narrow window to file the subsequent application for a visa.
Just as someone who specialized in visas for and from the USA: visas can be delayed or denied for ANY reason (especially in a political climate like this). Another point is O and P visas are valid from date of issue NOT entry and usually only up to 10 days 1/2 https://t.co/d5FSEbj13u
— Kat is never on here anymore ✨ (@girlinreallifee) May 10, 2025
Others have noted that the travel situation in the United States has become particularly complicated under the current presidential administration. Since President Trump took office this year, outlets like AP News and the BBC have reported that numerous everyday travelers have been placed in detention over visa mix-ups.
I genuinely don’t think this visa issue has anything to do with SM (not defending them) but with our political climate rn… it’s probably that fuckass president
— niya *ੈ✩‧₊˚ met flo (@hyuckmimi) May 10, 2025
And NCT Wish is not the only act to face trouble. Earlier this year, British singer FKA Twigs had to postpone her North American tour dates due to US visa complications.
That being said, despite the understanding many are showing toward SM Entertainment, other fans remain unhappy about the timing of the announcement. Rumors suggest NCT Wish’s flight to Los Angeles had already been canceled several days before the official statement, leaving many international fans unable to change their travel plans.
apparently nct wish’s flight to LA has been canceled since may 4th, but SM didn’t even give us any info beforehand. https://t.co/tHGWoJETjK pic.twitter.com/9BY14vwBgo
— 𝖼𝖺𝗋𝗂𝗇𝖺𝖾海石🌟 (@onri2yu) May 10, 2025
On top of this, the concert has a no-refund ticket policy. In response, many netizens are calling for better consumer protection regulations for last-minute cancellations, to protect fans against such financial losses.
Following the news, NCTzens were sad to see NCT Wish member Sion — whose birthday coincides with the LA concert date — apologizing for the situation on the fan communication app Bubble.
Everyone must be so disappointed…? I’m sorry. It’s unfortunate but we’ll definitely go later!! I also received birthday wishes from NCT-hyungs today.
— Sion
