Popular 5th Gen Boy Group’s Stylists Flamed For Infantalizing Them
NCT WISH is receiving backlash online after fans and non-fans alike expressed discomfort over what they describe as the group’s continued infantilization in styling and performance concepts.
The controversy intensified after recent stages showed the members performing in matching shorts and flower garlands, a styling choice many argued felt overly childish, especially given their actual ages.
Although NCT WISH often gets marketed with a cute and youthful concept, their average age is 21 years old, with the oldest member being 23 and the youngest 18. Netizens pointed out that putting adults into costumes resembling children’s outfits feels increasingly inappropriate.
- If they’re going to do such things, they should do it at their own fan concert, not at an awards ceremony. The actors present also looked shocked because grown adults are doing this.
- Do you really think they’re doing it because they want to? They’re doing it because they were told to.
- It’s hard just looking at them.
- I switched channels because it was too cringey watching them.
- I think it’s harder to stomach when people whine, cry, or get all pouty rather than this.
This isn’t the first time K-pop fans have raised concerns about infantilization, but the discussion around NCT WISH can get especially heated because it has been their concept since debut. It is unclear if SM Entertainment will ever move away from it.
