NCT WISH Faces Backlash Over Alleged Poor Attitude During Radio Appearance, Fans and Hosts React

NCT WISH is under fire following a recent appearance on SBS PowerFM’s Cultwo Show, where their lackluster attitude during a live radio broadcast left fans and listeners disappointed—and even had the host visibly frustrated.
NCT WISH Faces Backlash Over “Frozen” Demeanor on Cultwo Show Broadcast
The April 22 episode featured singer Chuu and rookie boy group NCT WISH as guests. While Chuu, known for her bubbly energy, lit up the studio with her quick wit and expressive reactions, NCT WISH’s contrasting demeanor quickly became the center of online discussion.
Throughout the “viewable radio” segment, NCT WISH members were noted for avoiding eye contact, keeping their gazes lowered, and offering minimal, mumbled responses. During the interactive “Kkongnyang Challenge” game, only a few members reacted, while the rest showed what many netizens described as near-total disinterest.

The real-time listener feedback was swift and sharp, with texts urging them to “look at the camera” and “grab the mic properly.” Even SHINee’s Key, a senior under the same agency (SM Entertainment), sent a live message saying, “We’re watching you.”
Host Kim Tae-gyun didn’t hold back either, commenting, “Please grab the mic faster,” and “WISH just completely froze up.” In a slightly humorous but pointed remark, he added, “Thank you for being active even with such challenging personalities,” after only member Sion showed enthusiasm while discussing baseball.
Fans React to NCT WISH’s On-Air Behavior: Excuses or Growing Pains?
Online reactions following the broadcast echoed this disappointment: “The whole vibe was just off. You could feel how disengaged they were,” one viewer commented. Another added, “If they didn’t plan to participate properly, they shouldn’t have come on the radio this is a place where your voice is everything.”
Some longtime fans of the group also weighed in, noting that discussions about NCT WISH’s lack of energy have been circulating within fandom spaces even before this incident.

However, not all reactions were harsh. Some netizens came to the group’s defense, pointing out that they are a second-year rookie group with international members and limited broadcast experience. These fans expressed hope that the group would become more comfortable and expressive with time.
As the group continues promoting their second mini album “Poppop”, attention is now on whether NCT WISH will address the criticism or show growth in upcoming public appearances.