On April 22, an official announcement was made revealing pictures of NCT’s newest lightstick design. The images displayed a modern, boxy shape with the logos of each sub-unit embossed on one side of the panels. This announcement signaled a notable shift in the group’s merchandise offerings.
The latest lightstick design showcases a more cohesive look, as opposed to the earlier versions that used different shapes and logos to distinguish between NCT 127, NCT DREAM, and WayV.
Despite their excitement, fans were disappointed to learn that the panels were not interchangeable, meaning they would have to buy each sub-unit’s version separately.
Fan Backlash: Criticisms of SM Entertainment’s Design Decision
The absence of interchangeability caused a surge of disapproval from fans, with numerous individuals condemning SM Entertainment’s choice as “greedy.”
Supporters contended that a design with greater flexibility, such as a single base with interchangeable logos, would have been more user-friendly and financially efficient.
I thought they’d be interchangeable. I’m NOT buying 4 new lightsticks. https://t.co/osETmSSlrq pic.twitter.com/VnZOHlv0BH
— 『ⁿᶜᵗ～æ』 (@neocoffeetime) April 22, 2024
btw it’s 4 separate lighsticks. the slides are not interchangable and will only open for the purpose to put stuff inside…and it’s more expensive! this is greedy of capitaliSM https://t.co/gb2Nd3dRsh
— ━🧸 (@wayviful) April 22, 2024
you know what they could’ve done if they were smart? make the sides interchangeable and sell them separately so you could build one with all four subunits emblem on the sides or just one subunit on four sides depending which group you’re a unit stan of. https://t.co/dU2rSMvJ9H
— ilsa 🦝 (@mysonezen) April 22, 2024
In light of the controversy, a potential solution proposed by a fan was to have one side of the panel display a collective emblem for all sub-units, while the other side would remain customizable with individual logos. This would have provided an option for multi-unit fans to show support for their favorite units without having to purchase multiple lightsticks.
Environmental Concerns: Fans Highlight Waste of Money and Plastic
In addition to the financial impact on fans, worries about environmental sustainability were also raised. The availability of four different versions of the lightstick led to concerns about the excessive use of plastic and its detrimental effects on the environment, as expressed by fans.
they could’ve just designed 4 panels corresponding to each unit but still based on the OLD neobong’s measurements so we can insert it or wtvr. just wasting plastic and money fr. https://t.co/XYhf7aJyyo
— elle | ia 🐈⬛ (@cleonsyks) April 22, 2024
you should be sued for generating more plastic waste… this could’ve been one base with 4 different exchangeable designs but oh well https://t.co/35cOGPa3Zj
— ynhen ᵀᴬᴾ ᴮʸ ᵀʸ ᴼᵁᵀ ᴺᴼᵂ (@__misft) April 22, 2024
The alleged photos of NCT’s new lightstick have recently caused quite a stir among netizens, leading to a heated debate. According to reports, the new design is intended to be customizable for each subunit, however, opinions on it have been divided.
Despite some finding it cute, there are others who prefer the old design and have criticized the new one as “ugly.”Member YangYang’s apparent confirmation of the new lightstick only added to the ongoing discussion.
Despite not receiving official confirmation from SM Entertainment, the leaked designs have sparked a significant amount of online discussion, showcasing the significance of lightsticks to fans and the difficulty of embracing alterations to a well-known design.
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