Former NCT members Shotaro (left) and Sungchan. Image: Twitter/@NCTsmtown
Shotaro and Sungchan have departed from NCT, as they’re set to re-debut in an upcoming boy group, according to South Korean music label SM Entertainment.
SM confirmed the idols’ departure from the K-pop boy group “after careful consideration,” as seen in an official statement posted on its official Twitter page on Wednesday, May 24.
“As NCT members, Sungchan and Shotaro have presented wondrous performances. However, they will be closing their chapter with NCT and debuting in a new boy group that will launch in 2023,” the statement read. “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.”
— NCT (@NCTsmtown) May 24, 2023
Shotaro and Sungchan’s group will not be under the NCT umbrella, which means that it will deviate from the large-scale unit’s overall concept that revolves around “infinite expansion.” This can be seen in the group’s sub-units including NCT 127, NCT U, NCT Dream, Way V and NCT DoJaeJung.
“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 groups’ artistic and musical direction. We ask for your kind understanding and support for Sungchan and Shotaro as they begin a new chapter,” SM said.
NCT’s ‘final unit’
The music agency also confirmed that NCT’s last sub-unit is currently in the works, as it stated that they aim to add more Japanese members in the future.
“NCT’s newest group will become the final group to be part of NCT’s infinite expansion, so we aim to launch one with a distinctive worldview that is truly representative of a regional identity,” SM said.
“In alignment with this, we will be increasing the number of Japanese members, unveiling new members and sharing their debut journey with the fans,” the label added.
Shotaro and Sungchan were announced as members of NCT in 2020.
An acronym for Neo Culture Technology, NCT was introduced in January 2016 and is composed of 20 members, namely Taeil, Taeyong, Doyoung, Ten, Jaehyun, Mark, Yuta, Winwin, Haechan, Renjun, Jeno, Jaemin, Chenle, Jisung, Johnny, Jungwoo, Kun, Xiaojun, Hendery and Yangyang.
Prior to Sungchan and Shotaro’s departure, former member Lucas confirmed that he had left the group earlier this month. /ra