NCT Dream’s Chenle Faces Backlash Over Dance Challenge with INFINITE’s Dongwoo
A recent dance collaboration has ignited controversy within the K-pop community, as NCT Dream’s Chenle is facing criticism from Korean netizens for his perceived lack of enthusiasm during a dance challenge with INFINITE’s Dongwoo.
The controversy stems from a video posted this week featuring Chenle and Dongwoo performing a dance to the Chinese version of Dongwoo’s latest single, “Sway (Zzz).” While Dongwoo displayed a cheerful demeanor throughout the performance, Chenle’s expression was described as noticeably reserved. Despite offering a smile at the video’s conclusion, his overall attitude during the dance has drawn critically important negative attention.
Dongwoo’s dance challenge series was intended to promote “sway (Zzz)” and his new mini-album, AWAKE, marking his frist solo comeback in nearly seven years. The artist recently shared the financial challenges he overcame to independently fund the album’s release. Though, the focus has shifted to the interaction with Chenle.
Korean online communities quickly responded to the video, with many users accusing chenle of disrespecting his senior. the six-year age gap between the groups – INFINITE debuted in 2010, while NCT Dream followed in 2016 – is central to the criticism. Several commenters questioned the rationale behind Chenle’s participation in the challenge.
“If he doesn’t want to do the challenge, then just don’t do it. Or at least pretend to put some effort into it… INFINITE are really big seniors, but the idol next to him has zero manners,” one commenter wrote. Another stated, “The idol doing the challenge with Dongwoo has no manners… If he doesn’t want to do it, then don’t, or at least act like he’s trying. Even if he’s more popular, they’re huge seniors. His facial expression and the way he’s dancing are honestly uncomfortable to watch and just hurting his own image.”
The sentiment continued with comments such as, “INFINITE aren’t just seniors. They’re way, way above him. But is it really okay to act like that in a challenge in the first place…?” and “Why
perceived as a lack of professionalism, with one user noting, “Being all sloppy in front of big seniors…” and another observing, “He’s giving off total ‘I don’t want to do this’ vibes lol.”
This incident highlights the importance of seniority and perceived respect within the highly structured world of K-pop, and underscores the intense scrutiny idols face from fans and the public alike. The situation raises questions about the expectations placed on younger idols when collaborating with established artists and the potential consequences of failing to meet those expectations.
