SM Entertainment Faces Allegations of Favoritism Towards aespa, RIIZE, and NCT While Overlooking Other Artists

Accusations of Favoritism at SM Entertainment: A Closer Look

SM Entertainment, a leading figure in the K-pop industry, is currently under fire for perceived favoritism towards three of its artist groups: aespa, RIIZE, and NCT. This controversy has sparked significant debate among fans and netizens alike.

Netizens Voice Concerns

On January 7, discussions erupted on a popular forum titled “Honestly, SM Has Been Way Too Focused On aespa, RIIZE, and NCT Lately.”Participants raised concerns that the agency seems to be dedicating a disproportionate amount of its resources and promotional efforts to these three groups, sidelining many of its other artists.

Allegations of Neglect

Despite the star-studded roster that has been a hallmark of SM since its inception in 1995, the sentiment expressed in the forum was that the ongoing promotions and buzz surrounding aespa, RIIZE, and NCT exemplify a troubling trend of “favoritism.”One forum contributor stated, “The company is just dedicated to those three teams nowadays.”They continued, adding that other artists seem to receive only minimal support, being “given”albums rather than the strategic promotion they deserve.

aespa X RIIZE X NCT WISH at 2024 KGMA 🏆 #aespa #에스파 #RIIZE #라이즈 #NCTWISH #KGMA #KoreaGrandMusicAwards pic.twitter.com/5MhRkLbDOH

— SMTOWN (@SMTOWNGLOBAL) November 17, 2024

Mixed Reactions Among Fans

The response to these claims has been divided. Some netizens appreciate the popularity and dedication that aespa, RIIZE, and NCT enjoy, suggesting that their successful fandoms have contributed to this focus. One fan articulated, “Since when did they care about NCT?”while another remarked, “They have strong core fandoms, so they can do whatever they want.”

Patterns of Behavior: Historical Context

International observers have also chimed in, identifying a recurring theme in SM Entertainment’s treatment of its artists. A commenter noted, “The tale as old as time is that SM ignores their old talent to focus on their newer groups.”This sentiment echoes concerns that aespa may eventually face the same fate as past groups like f(x) and Red Velvet once they reach a similar milestone or when a new girl group debuts.

Conclusion

As the discussion continues, it is clear that many fans are closely watching how SM Entertainment balances its promotional efforts across its diverse range of artists. The growing scrutiny around this issue highlights a broader conversation surrounding artist management and fairness within the competitive landscape of K-pop.

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