SM apologizes over NCT's Taeyong's bullying scandal

Sep 20, 2019

Taeyong is a member of K-pop boy band NCT.

SM Entertainment, representing K-pop boy group NCT, apologized Thursday on behalf of member Taeyong over bullying allegations against him.

"Taeyong deeply regrets his insensitive behavior and hurtful words during his middle school days," the agency said. "He also is sorry to everyone who has been hurt by him so far. He has been reflecting on himself and striving for the best performances in every field."

On Tuesday, a netizen, who claimed to be a middle school classmate of the singer, said in an online community that Taeyong was frequently judgmental about the appearance of female friends and hurt them. He said he decided to reveal this so the singer could examine himself.

A media outlet claimed a day later that it interviewed another of Taeyong's classmates, who said the singer had bullied a friend. "Taeyong treated pretty and cool friends well, but was not nice to those who were not," the classmate was quoted as saying.

But SM said it checked the singer's school record and did not find any disciplinary action against him for bullying.

"His parents also said they had not met with his teacher due to the reported incident," it said.

Taeyong debuted as a member of NCT in 2016. He will play in project band "Super M," comprising members of K-pop groups under SM's management. The band's first album will be released on October 4.