Announcement! Sungchan and Shotaro are no longer members of NCT

SM Entertainment made an important announcement on Wednesday May 24, 2023. This is related to the future of their artists, namely Sungchan and Shotaro, who were previously introduced as part of NCT. Now it has been made official by management that the two of them are no longer joining NCT. An announcement was made by SM Entertainment via the official Twitter @NCTsmtown. 

There they uploaded a long statement about Sungchan and Shotaro's plans in management. Previously, there was news that SM would debut a new boy band in 2023. With Shotaro and Sungchan leaving NCT, SM hinted that they would be debuting them in the new group. Following is the official statement from SM Entertainment regarding Shotaro and Sungchan: 

"This is SM Entertainment. First of all, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the fans who love and support NCT. Below is an announcement that will explain the future of Sungchan and Shotaro. As members of NCT, Sungchan and Shotaro have performed amazingly. However, they will close the chapter with NCT and debut in a new group in 2023. 

We express our deepest apologies and also appreciate the fans who have supported and waited for them to debut as the new NCT group. After careful consideration and discussion with Sungchan and Shotaro in preparation for SM 3.0, we decided it would be best to consider the opinions of our artists and each group's artistic and musical direction. 

We ask for your understanding and support for Sungchan and Shotaro who are about to start a new chapter in their careers. The new NCT group (coming soon) will be the final group of NCT's unlimited expansion, so we plan to launch one more group that will become a regional representative and identity. 

Accordingly, we will increase the number of Japanese members (for NCT) and reveal new members who will debut and share the journey with fans. We will give full support not only to the NCT members but also Sungchan and Shotaro. We once again ask fans to continue to support and give unwavering love for their future. Thank You."