NCT Taeyong’s Deleted Post Causes Controversy Regarding Starbucks Collaboration

Following recent developments, it appears that NCT’s Taeyong has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the group’s partnership with Starbucks.

The coffee chain has received criticism and calls for a boycott from supporters due to its inclusion on the boycott list by the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement during the ongoing conflict in Palestine.

BOYCOTT NCT X STARBUCKS COLLAB. Don’t let anyone say “but it’s a contract company that does it, people just follow it 🥹” OII BECAUSE YOU ALWAYS HYPE AND LICK THAT COMPANY THEY DO COLLABS, ISN’T IT. Please choose humanity over your own interests. FREE PALESTINE pic.twitter.com/lB8DOxYMP8

— jae’s (it) (@jjmnnie) May 29, 2024

During the ongoing discussions and debates surrounding the Starbucks collaboration, Taeyong shared his thoughts on Instagram.

A post shared by instagram

Hello, SM EntertainmentWe do NOT want NCT DREAM or any of your artists to associate or promote STARBUCKS or any companies that are financing a genocide in Palestine. Please take note of our concerns.@SMTOWNGLOBAL @NCTsmtown @NCTsmtown_DREAM @SMTOWN_Idn #SM_BOYCOTT_GENOCIDE pic.twitter.com/gAHbcDCMSx

— ًً (@LJNFEED) May 29, 2024

Despite having been deleted, Taeyong’s Instagram story featuring a photo with the word “Boycott”still managed to garner attention from netizens and fans. The post seemed to be addressing the concerns raised by fans regarding the collaboration, and it quickly spread across various social media platforms through screenshots shared by fans.

“kpop idols arent allowed to speak up!” okay explain this then. thank you taeyong pic.twitter.com/J9EXNzGy9K

— isi ༄ 🍉 ia (@onlybngchan) May 30, 2024

Taeyong’s post was perceived by many as a sign of support for fans’ concerns and the larger issues surrounding the Starbucks controversy.

LOL, it must be people from SM who delete it! Thank you for take a stand and speak up, Lee Taeyong. I will continue boycott the product!✊🏻

— 🌹Nyo (@ty_cherie) May 30, 2024

Taeyong has stopped drinking SB since the boycott started and now even he’s in the military and has only few hours to use his phone he’s still being the only one who speak up and posting it on his IG declaring that he’s indeed boycotting sb and NOT supporting any collaboration. pic.twitter.com/kR4F4pMq1v

— Also (@Ieetaesthetic) May 30, 2024

taeyong deleted his story so i have compiled several time-stamped screenshots of it. it remained up for about 20 mins pic.twitter.com/DhHzn20i48

— raise your head and look up at the stars (@podofskywhales) May 30, 2024

i think he delete cause they are still on contract but he somehow need everyone to know that he is aware of the situation. this is not a small matter knowing how crazy the situation in south korea right now so thank you taeyong i hope this can be an eye opener to other members pic.twitter.com/HRF8nyFbx6

— ★ (@97LEEJN) May 30, 2024

taeyong posting this to get nctzens to boycott it but it’s now deleted.. SM probably shut him up https://t.co/NNsMg6hdT4 pic.twitter.com/pmSxmly4V4

— ☆ (@khiawings) May 30, 2024

Despite the possibility that Taeyong may have been asked to delete the post due to the sensitive nature of the collaboration and the group’s relationship with SM Entertainment, there were also speculations surrounding the reason for its removal.

Upon the sudden removal of Taeyong’s Instagram story, netizens began to question the motives behind it, with some suggesting that it may be due to pressure from the group’s management or concerns about potential backlash from the collaboration.

Despite this, there has not been an official statement regarding Taeyong’s post or its removal, allowing for ongoing discussions and speculations among the fan community.