Sungchan And Shotaro Leave NCT, Debut With New Group

Sungchan - Shotaro (Twitter @NCTsmtown)

JAKARTA - The latest news comes from the NCT group and their two members. Sungchan and Shotaro, who were originally planned to debut in the NCT subunit, were confirmed to be canceled. This news was conveyed by Jang Cheol Hyuk as CEO of SM Entertainment.

"As members of NCT, Sungchan and Shotaro gave their best. But they will close their part with NCT and debut with a new group in 2023," said SM Entertainment today, Wednesday, May 24.

"We want to apologize and appreciate the fans who support and look forward to them debuting with NCT's new group," the agency continued.

This plan is part of SM 3.0 which was conveyed by Jang Cheol Hyuk in the previous video. They consider this decision to reflect on the artist's desire to make music in the future.

"We ask for understanding and support for Sungchan and Shotaro as they start a new section," said SM Entertainment.

In addition, they mentioned that the new group that will debut this year will be NCT's last sub unit. Then they will focus on the new men and women's K-pop group. NCT's last sub unit will consist of Japanese members, without Shotaro.

On the same day, Shotaro wrote an open letter to fans. He thanked and appreciated the support of fans who were looking forward to his debut with NCT.

"I want to thank the members who treated me as a family since I joined. I respect the cool and good members. I am honored to be working as an NCT," wrote Shotaro.

"I think my experience with NCT is making strength for me going forward. I will come back with a better side, so look forward to a little more," he said.

Sungchan and Shotaro were introduced as NCT members in 2020 along with the release of the NCT 2020 Resonance Pt. 1 album. They are planned to debut with NCT sub-units but now both will debut with the new SM Entertainment group with SM Rookies.