NCT Dream's Haechan & Chenle Face Backlash For "Fatshaming" Comments About Jeno's Physique

In a recent behind-the-scenes video from NCT Dream‘s M COUNTDOWN performance, members Haechan and Chenle have drawn attention and criticism for their comments towards fellow member Jeno regarding his physique. The comments, which were made in a light-hearted context, have been perceived by fans as body shaming.

The video footage, posted on YouTube, shows Haechan teasing Jeno about his weight and urging him “to get in shape.” Responding to these comments, Jeno counters that if he loses any more weight, he’ll be left with “nothing but bones.” Despite the apparent playfulness to the comments, the exchange has led to a broader discussion online about the standards of body image within the K-Pop industry.

The teasing continues later in the video when Mark and Chenle also comment on Jeno’s body. After Mark says, “Jeno, keep going to the gym,” and Jeno thanks him for his advice Chenle shares that he likes to tease Jeno about his physique too. The NCT Dream member explains that he teases him because he finds Jeno’s reaction cute, and he stresses that his comments are made out of affection.

Mark: Jeno, keep going to the gym.

Jeno: Okay, thank you. I’ve been lazy lately… Whenever he (Chenle) sees my body hes been sighing all the time.

Chenle: I mean, he must be very proud of his body. So just for fun, to tease him, I touched his arm and went ‘sigh’. He made a big response. I thought it was cute and kept doing it. Also for contrast, I sounded impressed after touching Jaemin and then I touched Jeno and said… [sighs].

After noticing that during this conversation, Jeno is smiling with his head hung low, Chenle hugged his bandmate and asked if he felt bad. Later he even complimented his muscles, perhaps in an attempt to make him feel better, to which Jeno responded with, “I hate that even more,” while laughing. In the end, Chenle confessed his affection for Jeno.

I love Jeno so much. I like him so much.

— NCT Dream’s Chenle

Despite the interactions seeming playful, fans have noted that Jeno’s reactions in the video suggest discomfort with the comments about his body. The conversations in the video, though seemingly light-hearted and friendly, have sparked an intense debate among fans. Many voiced their concerns about how these comments, even made in jest, could contribute to the pressure on K-Pop idols to conform to narrow physical standards.

dream are always constantly talking about jn’s body. i bet he’s tired of hearing it. also jn lost a lost of noticeable weight recently so this is just even more weird. all of them at it talking about his body, it’s just strange. it’s not even phrased nicely too https://t.co/KL2I5oBAFz

— 🌸 (@yeeljn) July 1, 2023

Fatshaming someone is not funny and never will be. HC needs to apologize and hope he learns something from this, he's not 16 anymore.@chartsnctdream https://t.co/C9mMDQOTSY pic.twitter.com/0I40waROss

— Dee ◠‿◠ (@bucinkoleader) July 1, 2023

Some fans even pointed out how Jeno has previously talked about his struggles with gaining weight and urged their idol to stay healthy instead of worrying about his physique.

joke or not, this isn’t an okay comment to make. jeno has said before that it’s hard for him to gain weight, and we think he’s doing amazing and he looks fantastic! i hope he knows that always https://t.co/QMVUQAyizc

— paige (@sunsetjeno) July 1, 2023

tw// weight

regardless of who says it, it makes me sad because jeno himself has repeatedly said that he has a hard time gaining weight https://t.co/mbNJv0Dfdk

— 🍃 (@godtierjeno) July 1, 2023

The debate continues among fans online, with many hoping for more sensitivity from the members regarding such sensitive topics. Fans are using this incident as a reminder of the serious nature of body shaming and the importance of respectful communication, even within close relationships. You can watch the full video of NCT Dream backstage at M COUNTDOWN here: