SM Entertainment Criticized For Fan Gifts Literally Worth 2 Cents
SM Entertainment is facing criticism following NCT Wish‘s recent fanmeeting, where attendees received a doorgift fans later discovered was extremely inexpensive.
The event featured a luxurious “prince” concept, complete with elegant styling, ornate visuals, and a fairytale-like atmosphere that positioned the members as royalty that popped out of manhwas. Many fans initially praised the production value and theme.
As the event commenced, attention quickly shifted to the official fan gift — a small pearl ring given to every attendee.
Soon after the event, fans claimed they found identical rings listed on Chinese e-commerce platforms for just a few cents, with some estimates putting the price at around two cents per piece when purchased in bulk. It costs just ₩40 KRW (about $0.03 USD).
Comparison screenshots spread rapidly across online communities, sparking debate.
가성비 팬미팅 사건
엔시티위시는 초호화 왕자님 컨셉 다잡아놨으면서 빠수니 전원에게는 40원짜리 타오바오 진주반지 뿌리신 사건이다 pic.twitter.com/byVZtondHc— 나가복도 형복도에좀나가있어 리차이야폰쿨 黃 𝘓𝘦𝘦 (@T1OO1101) February 21, 2026
A fanmeeting that’s cost-effective. They set up a whole luxurious prince concept for NCT Wish, but gave all the fans a pearl ring from Taobao that costs ₩40 KRW (about $0.03 USD).
T1OO1101
The contrast between the high-budget royal concept and the reportedly ultra-low-cost gift led Korean fans to label the situation “really sad.”
진짜 개짜쳐 https://t.co/kZVeNADCAv
— ㅍㅍ (@pp030808) February 21, 2026
Some even wondered if all the money had been spent on the box.
케이스까지 맞추느라 단가가 안 맞았나 https://t.co/KapZMoBTh6
— 먹짱미남콜렉터 (@drsl_h) February 21, 2026
Was all the budget spent on the box?
drsl_h
Some fans criticized the company, arguing that commemorative gifts should reflect the premium image and ticket price of the event, claiming that they should have given out something else.
진짜너무이건개짜쳐 차라리사탕을주지그랫어요 https://t.co/gALyV9Likx
— 도우너의 취향 (@manychihyang) February 21, 2026
This is so pathetic LOL. They should’ve just given out candy or something.
manychihyang
As discussion continues, the doorgift has become a widely shared talking point amongst not just concert-goers but others online.
