Boy Band Criticized Amid Global Boycott of Coffee Chain

Courtesy of SM ENTERTAINMENT

Members of the boy band NCT are facing criticism for their collaboration with Starbucks Korea, except for member Taeyong. Fans have expressed their disapproval on social media, citing the ongoing violence in the Middle East and Starbucks' perceived "pro-Israel" stance.

The backlash followed SM Entertainment's announcement on Thursday that NCT would collaborate with Starbucks Korea on an exclusive range of food, drinks, and merchandise available until July 4. Starbucks Korea operates independently from the U.S. Starbucks brand, with 67.5 percent owned by retail giant Emart and the remaining shares held by Singapore's GIC sovereign wealth fund. The collaboration items will only be available in Korea.
 

▲ Taeyong of boy band NCT / Courtesy of SM ENTERTAINMENT

Despite this distinction, NCT members have experienced a decline in social media followers and have been subjected to critical comments accusing them of engaging in "shameful" activities. The hashtag "#SM_boycott_genocide" has trended on Twitter, now known as X.

Amid the controversy, member Taeyong posted a brief Instagram story with the word "Boycott" on Thursday evening. The post, which did not specify any context, was removed after 10 minutes, but garnered praise from international fans for his perceived "courage." Taeyong is currently serving his military duty, which commenced last month and is scheduled to end in December 2025. 

▲ Starbucks Korea is teaming up with K-pop boy band NCT for an exclusive collaboration of food, drink and merchandise from Thursday to July 4 / Courtesy of STARBUCKS KOREAOther K-pop celebrities, including Le Sserafim's Huh Yun-jin, Enhypen's Jake, and singer Jeon Somi, have also faced criticism and have subsequently removed any Starbucks-related content from their social media accounts.

Sayart 

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