Debuting as a K-Pop idol takes an immense amount of hard work. But there is no denying that luck also plays a role to a certain extent.
While the definition of “luck” is subjective, in the context of K-Pop, idols who have successfully debuted, put out albums, garnered a sizeable fandom, and belong to a top agency like SM Entertainment would certainly be considered “lucky” enough by anyone. But for a popular boy group, things haven’t worked out quite well despite all of these achievements.
The group in question is WayV, the Chinese sub-unit of the K-Pop group NCT. The current lineup of the group includes Xiajun¸Yangyang, Ten, Hendery, Winwin, and Kun.
WayV | @wayvofficial/Instagram
With members as talented as them, it was no surprise that WayV’s debut was a big success. But now fans are starting to believe the group might be “cursed.”
Here are some of the events that have left fans stunned by WayV’s “bad luck”
China’s K-Pop Ban
Image used for representational purpose | Koreaboo
Though WayV is a Chinese subunit, it is a part of NCT, a K-Pop group. When WayV debuted in 2019, China’s official ban on K-Pop had already been lifted. However, the “unofficial” ban still remains, making it difficult for Korean artists to perform in China. So, though WayV had a successful debut in terms of streams and chart positions, the group inevitably suffered due to these restrictions.
Former Member’s Controversy
In May 2021, Lucas, a former member of the group, found himself embroiled in multiple gaslighting and cheating accusations from fans who allegedly dated him. The issue caught wind quickly, turning public opinion against the idol. Amidst this situation, SM Entertainment halted the release of all content related to Lucas, including the much-anticipated single “Jalapeño” from the WayV subunit consisting of Lucas and Hendery.
Lucas | SM Entertainment
Lucas ended up departing from the group after this controversy, and the song is believed to have been shelved forever.
Unprecedented Calamity On Concert Day
During the NCT NATION: To The World tour, NCT members had to endure extreme weather conditions on the second day of their Osaka show. The heavy rain, accompanied by a severe thunderstorm, had fans concerned. Even the venue was flooded. However, WayV, along with all other NCT units, continued to perform amidst such conditions.
Wayvさん、可愛い過ぎる…
雷落ちた時、
Xiaojun was talking when lightining strike.. They are soo cutee, asking to stop the rain!! #NCT #NCTNATION #NCT_NATION_ToTheWorld_inJAPAN pic.twitter.com/yTguKFlVJS
— 마키이걸리에 (@makieegeolliee) September 10, 2023
WTFFFF WATER FALLS AT THE STAGE TOO????? PRAYING FOR EVERYONE’S SAFETY. RAIN RAIN GO AWAY #NCT_NATION_ToTheWorld_inJAPAN #NCT_NATION_ToTheWorld_OSAKApic.twitter.com/pJ5vhsFswF
— ㅎㅅ (@hceahsun) September 10, 2023
apparently the rain is getting heavier along with thunder and lightning, water also flooded the stage and fell from the top of the stadium onto the seats like a waterfall…. please stay safe i hope no one gets hurt #NCT_NATION_ToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/WvYHlNDyOy
— fany (@sproustyle) September 10, 2023
Continued delay in comeback activities
The last, and the latest instance that has left fans in awe regarding WayV’s misfortune is the constant yet inevitable delay in their comebacks.
In December 2022, WayV was scheduled to make a comeback with their fourth mini album, Phantom. However, the release of all the content related to the album had to be postponed after Jiang Zemin, a former Chinese president, passed away. It is customary in China to observe a mourning period after the demise of important political figures like Zemin.
Hello, this is LABEL V.
We are sorry to inform you that the 4th Mini Album ‘Phantom’ which was planned to be released on December 9th, has been delayed.
— WayV (@WayV_official) November 30, 2022
This delay in the album’s release derailed a lot of comeback plans for the group. So, when they announced their first and only comeback of 2023 to be slated in November, fans were looking forward to it even more.
However, it looks like this time too, their plans are going to be disrupted due to the death of another key political figure in China. Li Keqiang, China’s former premier, passed away on October 27, and the country is currently mourning his loss. Given the circumstances, fans are afraid that the group will face difficulties in continuing with their promotional activities, which could affect their future schedules.
#WayV‘s cb update: WayV’s comeback showcase was cancelled and promotions will be temporarily halted to respect a period of mourning in China due to the passing of former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
— neogotmystats (@neogotmystats) October 27, 2023
Hello, this is NEO Production from SM Entertainment.
We regret to inform you that WayV’s <Track Video 02 & Image>, which were scheduled for release today at 10PM (KST), have been delayed.
We sincerely apologize for the sudden change in schedule and would like to ask for your…
— WayV (@WayV_official) October 27, 2023
While many fans are convinced that WayV’s fortune is betraying them time and again, others are urging each other to remain positive, enjoy the new music, and treat these incidents as mere strings of coincidences.
