SM made the following announcements on Wednesday.
In a statement released by South Korean entertainment agency SM Entertainment, they announced the departure of NCT members Sungchan and Shotaro from the group. According to SM, the two of them will re-debut in a new boy group outside of the NCT system. Both of them were added to the team during the NCT 2020 era.
Apart from that, SM Entertainment also announced that NCT’s newest group will be “the final group to be part of NCT’s infinite expansion.” The said group will be formed by new Japanese members, with its working title of ‘NCT Tokyo’ already unveiled in the past. Shohei, which was supposed to be part of that upcoming line-up, will no longer join due to health reasons.
Here is the complete statement of SM Entertainment on the departure of Shotaro and Sungchan, as well as the upcoming NCT group.
This is SM Entertainment.
First and foremost, we would like to express our sincerest gratitude to all the fans who love and support NCT. Below is our announcement that informs you on the future plans of Sungchan and Shotaro.
As NCT members, Shotaro and Sungchan have presented wondrous performances. However, they will be closing their chapter with NCT and debut in a new boy group that will launch in 2023. We express our deepest apologies and appreciation for the fans that have been supporting and eagerly waiting for them to debut as part of a new NCT group.
After careful consideration and discussion with Sungchan and Shotaro in preparation of SM 3.0, we have come to a decision that would best reflect the artists’ thoughts and each of the group’s artistic and musical direction. We ask for your kind understanding and support for Sungchan and Shotaro as they begin a new chapter.
NCT’s newest group will become the final group to be part of NCT’s infinite expansion, so we aim yo launch one with a distinctive worldview that is truly representative of a regional identity. In alignment with this, we will be increasing the number of Japanese members, unveiling new members and sharing their debut journey with the fans.
We will provide full support for not only the NCT members, but also for Sungchan and Shotaro. We ask once again that fans show continuous and unwavering love and support for their future endeavors.
Thank you.
SM Entertainment’s statement on the departure of Sungchan and Shotaro from NCT and the upcoming NCT group (May 24, 2023)
Shotaro has also penned his personal letters to fans and posted it on his personal Instagram account.
Apart from Shotaro and Sungchan, Lucas had also left as a member of NCT, with his departure from the group announced just two weeks ago.
Lucas leaves NCT, WayV; to move forward as a soloist
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The best of luck to Shotaro and Sungchan as they enter this new chapter in their respective careers, as well as to the upcoming NCT group.
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