"So Dangerous and So Disrespectful"- Fans angered at SM Entertainment's use of AI to depict NCT 127 Taeyong for the group's comeback promotions, WALK

On Sunday, July 7, SM Entertainment released the ‘Intro: Wall to Wall’ Track Video for the promotions of NCT 127's upcoming comeback, WALK, where Taeyong was included through the use of AI. Previously, the agency omitted the idol's name from another promotional content called WALKING CLUB. It was a sheet that listed all the members' names with their birth dates and signatures other than the group's leader, Taeyong.

While fans called out the agency for leaving out his name, they were more angered by his inclusion in the ‘Intro: Wall to Wall’ track video. The intro showcased small clips of each of the members and since the idol was absent for the promotional filming, the agency reportedly used AI to generate his face and body to create a clip similar to the other members.

This was due to the idol's current absence in the industry as he enlisted in the military. However, fans were extremely discomforted with the use of AI. Many expressed that using AI to imitate an artist was both disrespectful and scary since it exploits the person. Here's how fans and netizens reacted to SM Entertainment's use of AI to impersonate NCT 127's Taeyong:

Why was Taeyong’s name excluded from simple things like text-based lists where involving him would have been easy? Why then were AI- generated images used instead of old images of him in this track video? - said an fan on X

mind you sm doesnt even tell their artists when they’ve used ai, they didnt tell aespa or red velvet soooo the likelihood of them telling taeyong is very very low - added another netizen

the only consistent thing about how SM has handled taeyong's involvement in this cb has been the disrespect. they chose to include him in this track video with AI, the most exploitative, dehumanizing option possible - said an X user

More netizens expressed their concerns with the agency's alleged exploitation of its artists.

SM has used ai before and received negative responses. It's one thing to use it once, learn from it, and not repeat it. It's another to keep on doing it. This is especially disrespectful to Taeyong because they knew that fans would have a problem. - said an X user

Using AI to replicate a real artist’s face means that the company policy does not have a boundary around AI or around authenticity of artist image. it means that potentially a future piece of merch you buy, a photocard, a song you listen to, might not really be the artist. - added another fan

They really are money hungry bc there’s no way they didn’t see the problem with this - said another X user

---

All you need to know about NCT 127's upcoming comeback, WALK

The nine-piece K-pop boy group which stands as a subunit of NCT, NCT 127, is scheduled to roll out their sixth studio album, WALK, on July 15, 6 PM KST. The album is expected to consist of eleven songs, and SM Entertainment explained that the group expanded their horizons with the upcoming release.

Therefore, fans can expect a variety of genres stacked up on the album. NCT 127's physical album, on the other hand, called the Walk Version, will come with a photo book, a signed photo card, a set of stickers, a folded poster, and a CD. Each album would contain one member's signed photo card, which is placed randomly.

Given that NCT 127 has constantly rolled out experimental yet promising tracks in the past, fans are naturally looking forward to seeing what the album holds in store for them. However, the album will not include NCT 127's leader, Taeyong, as he couldn't participate in the same due to his current enlistment in the military.

---

The idol enlisted for his mandatory military service on April 15 and he stands as the New Recruit 2nd Squadron Platoon Leader under the Navy. While fans have been sad about the idol's absence in the group's comeback, they've also been cheering for the idol's journey through his challenging military service.