WayV Is "Blamed" For Their "Low Popularity" By SM Entertainment, Angering Fans

A recent moment from a behind-the-scenes video from one of WayV‘s song recordings has left fans with a sour taste.

WayV recently returned with On My Youth, featuring the title track of the same name.

Recently, a video detailing the recording of the title track was shared, giving fans a look at the group’s unedited talents. In addition to the recording, these clips usually give insight into how the group first reacts to the new songs.

After listening to the track, Ten commented on how the performance of the song will be. The staff member then explained that since WayV’s last album release had been a while, they wanted a song that could become well-known.

She then says that rather than being worried about showing good performances, staff were concerned with whether the results would be better or if the general public would like it.

The staff member then says that choosing a song that audiences can sing along to is a better choice and that once they are “more well known,” they can show their performance capabilities.

While wanting a song that will perform well makes sense, fans did not like the delivery of this message. Many felt that the blame was being placed on WayV for their popularity level when other company-made obstacles stood in the way.

For example, fans mentioned that SM Entertainment kept the group on hiatus for nearly two years between the release of Kick Back and Phantom, which did not help them gain more fans.

well what do sm expect after put wayv in a 2yrs hiatus and then let them have a comeback once a year without a proper promotion…

— andy~ (@yangnten) January 22, 2024

According to fans, the group have also missed out on promotion opportunities with no explanations.

op went to Tencent music variety show Perfect Singer as audience. At the end, she asked the director if they could invite WayV for next season, and the director replied that they invited WayV for filming first season but SM replied “no time ” WTF☠️🤬 pic.twitter.com/8j1z7Sbyc8

— 白昼🩵 (@kikikikickback) January 23, 2024

there are COUNTLEES of accounts like this from c-wzns speaking to several different directors from different shows and the answer is ALWAYS the same. the shows already invited wayv but sm ignored or declined the invitations, yet they have the fucking nerve to blame wayv istfg https://t.co/zgg8ElVkdo

— ∞ (@namutennie) January 23, 2024

Fans also felt the comments implied that WayV did not have a substantial fanbase when this is untrue. WayV have not yet held their first concert world tour despite being a five-year-old group, but a fake tweet announcing a fictional tour was viewed over one million times.

WayV did hold an actual On My Youth showcase tour in China, where every date sold out.

WayV WORLD TOUR 'ON MY YOUTH'

🎫 ➫ https://t.co/RF9KjTLcjt

SEOUL ➫ 2024.01.09
JAKARTA ➫ 2024.02.23
BANGKOK ➫ 2024.02.27
MANILA ➫ 2024.03.01
SINGAPORE ➫ 2024.03.03
KUALA LUMPUR ➫ 2024.03.06#WayV_OnMyYouth #OnMyYouth #TOUR #WayV_OnMyYouth #WayV #威神V pic.twitter.com/JuiisvCpDX

— surreal wayv clips (@surrealwyvclips) November 2, 2023

Fans expressed their anger towards the company’s “gaslighting” of WayV and their hopes that the group will be treated better in the future.

no fucking wonder wayv get surprised everytime they sold out venues, that the whole venue in kcon la sang their songs, and that they blame themselves for lack of promos (when it's not their fault in the first place) — they're getting gaslighted by sm.

— 🍡 (@wayvline) January 22, 2024

wayv you deserve so much better pic.twitter.com/S4rzcLMfUk

— ㅆ (@adareten) January 22, 2024

how is wayv supposed to maintain a healthy mindset when they are constantly told they arent doing good enough regardless of how hard they work. To never be told a good job or praised for their accomplishments bc sm isnt happy with them has to be wearying over time

— 🍃 (@ttenkunz) January 22, 2024

You can watch the full video below.