NCT (Neo Culture Technology) and its sub-units NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, and WayV, have struggled with animosity, malicious comments, and rumors since pre-debut. Several of the members have had various accusations brought against them, most with little to no evidence. The members have made apologies, where many felt apologies were not necessary. 

The member that has experienced the most opposition and antagonism is the officially declared leader of NCT 127, who is also seen as the leader of NCT as a whole. Lee Tae Yong (Taeyong) has dealt with allegations of scamming, fat shaming, and bullying, since pre-debut.

Each time NCT 127 has a comeback, a new wave of gossip can be found on many social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter. Articles are posted throughout "news" sites, more specifically Allkpop. The content on these sites are not monitored and many fan wars occur throughout.

In the newest adventure of "Let's Ruin Taeyong", so-called fans of NCT are requesting that Taeyong be removed from NCT. For those who are not aware, this would ultimately mean his removal from NCT U and NCT 127, as well as SuperM.

Taeyong is considered to be one of the best rappers in SM Entertainment. He is also an extremely talented dancer and has beautiful vocals. This is quite impressive, as he was scouted on the street, solely based on his appearance. He came in to SM Entertainment with little to no experience and has worked to create a name for himself.

In my opinion, he is the backbone of NCT. I feel removing Taeyong from NCT would be extremely detrimental to the growth and development of NCT, and its sub-units.

From my understanding, in research and in speaking with fans from around the world, the majority of the signatures requesting for Taeyong's departure from NCT are coming from anti-fans and solo-stans. They are not coming from a place of concern for the group, despite the claims otherwise.

With regards to Taeyong's controversies, I do not claim to know the truth. I know what is fed to us by social media and, as most can attest, that is often a fabricated reality meant to hurt and deceive. To further drive this point, I have done extensive research on all allegations and compiled my own thoughts, to provide readers the ability to make their own educated decisions.

1) Taeyong is a scammer. 

Taeyong worked for a company (similar to eBay) selling products that may, or may not, have been questionable. Reports show that the account (all five, to be precise) was never closed for fraudulent behavior. If there was an issue with the product, the money was returned to the buyer.

The specific incident where it is rumored that he did, in fact, scam someone, he met with the individual to resolve the issue and the buyer was accusing him of scamming them, even after. If you have ever had a job, you surely have dealt with irate customers. I work for a legitimate company and we get called all sorts of names and have all kinds of accusations made against us, in any given month. That tends to occur when a customer does not get exactly what THEY think is correct.

If he did scam anyone knowingly, my only justification would be that he was a teenager at the time. I am not trying to make an excuse for him, as I cannot say whether these actions did, or did not, occur.

2) Taeyong used inappropriate/obscene language against a customer.

Article by Koreaboo

This is actually related to the situation above but, once again, is not verified. No evidence has been provided to link Taeyong to the account in question.

Ultimately, the original message contained inappropriate language, cursing at "Taeyong" and accusing him of scamming the individual. Supposedly, Taeyong replied cursing at the customer. This is another case of it is possible, as teenagers often use foul language to convey a message. I will neither confirm nor deny the allegation, as it is not my place to do so.

3) Taeyong fat shamed a girl in the class photo.

Article by Koreaboo

The original accusation involved a shared post of comments supposedly made by Taeyong. No evidence was provided so this is a basic case of "he said, she said". If in fact he did say it, which is possible since we have all said things we shouldn't, I would argue that the extreme standards placed on beauty are partially to blame. Should he feel guilty if he said these things? Yes. Should he live his entire life in hiding because of a comment he made as a teenager? No. As someone who has spent most of her life overweight, I am not offended by the comments he MAY have made when he was young. The important thing is the person he is today.

4) Taeyong bullied people in middle school and made homophobic comments.

Article by Kpopmap

An individual came forward with an image of their yearbook, showing a "homophobic" remark. The image provide has the incorrect Hangul for Taeyong's name, so is likely a false accusation. However, let's act as if this accusation is true. Many cultures from upon homosexuality and raise their children that it is shameful or disgusting. South Korea is no exception. While it would still not be correct to make those types of statements, one can argue that this is a by-product of the environment he was raised in. Or even, again, the ignorance of a child. Acting as leader to a major Kpop group, traveling the world and interacting with people of all walks of life, would surely be the best remedy to broaden his horizons and change his view of the world.

The biggest argument I hear is "Taeyong admitted to doing these things". Taeyong has indeed apologized, for various things, without ever being overly specific. So now I counter-argue:

1) If he has admitted to these things, in his apologies, then he has also apologized for his wrongdoings.

Apology #1

2) If his company forced him to apologize, then it is possible he did nothing wrong and was forced to apologize.

Apology #2

It is closed-minded to only say things that benefit your argument, not seeing the other side. It hypocritical to bully him, for supposedly bullying others.

The fact is, we don't know the truth. 

The other fact is, Taeyong is NCT's leader. He is a pillar for the group and for millions of fans around the world who are supporting him.

The truth is, the latest controversy has nothing to do with Taeyong. Supposedly, fans of Taeyong have taken to stalking the individual involved in the bullying incident. If this is, in fact, the case then that is a shameful display of affection and, as a NCTzen, I am appalled.

Regardless, no true evidence has been provided from pre-debut, and new accusations have been made regarding Taeyong's actions since he debuted, which means one of two things: either people are simply trying to stir up problems, for someone who is innocent, or he has changed for the better and we should be grateful for NCT giving him the opportunity to do so.

If you want to research the issue further, please feel free to Google. There is a lot of information online, and a lot of people clarifying each situation.

Now to the point of this petition, NCTzens ask that SM Entertainment, it's founder Lee Soo Man, and it's current CEOs Han Se Min and Nam So Young protect Lee Tae Yong and all of NCT. To further clarify, to protect all of its idols.

Idols are people too and they do NOT deserve to be harassed, regardless of actions they may or may not have taken in the past.