NCT’s Doyoung Breaks Down In Tears Mid-Performance

This article is part of our coverage of Former NCT Taeil's Sex Crime Scandal. You can read more and view the entire timeline here.

On August 28, SM Entertainment announced Taeil‘s removal from NCT due to an unspecified sexual crime.

The remaining NCT members have had to continue their schedules despite losing a member. For instance, Doyoung recently performed multiple days as part of his 2024 DOYOUNG CONCERT [ Dear Youth, ] in Japan. 

2024 DOYOUNG CONCERT [ Dear Youth, ] in Japan – #TOKYO DAY 2🍀🤍#DOYOUNG #도영 #Dear_Youth#DOYOUNG_Dear_Youth #NCT #NCT127 pic.twitter.com/C3793opzAP

— NCT (@NCTsmtown) September 8, 2024

During his song “Rest,” Doyoung broke down in tears. He couldn’t stop crying, affecting his singing. So, he had to step away and return to finish the performance.

doyoung crying so much during rest that he couldn't continue singing ㅠㅠpic.twitter.com/16HSTtkgdp

— 링 (@NCTDAOYlNG) September 8, 2024

doyoung cried so much while singing rest that he couldn't continue singing and went backstage and then came out again to sing rest again ㅠㅠ

— 링 (@NCTDAOYlNG) September 8, 2024

rest lyrics is rly heartwrenching when u see how doyoung is crying like this😢😢 pic.twitter.com/D9xGsArIei

— little light 🤍🌊 (@ddoingxo) September 8, 2024

doyoung crying during dear youth today ㅠㅠ pic.twitter.com/jGZZlM9xwY

— 링 (@NCTDAOYlNG) September 8, 2024

According to concert-goers, Doyoung didn’t cry just once. He also cried during the concert’s ending.

doyoung crying again during the ending… my heart hurts so much 😭💔 pic.twitter.com/jzfm7pN4V6

— 링 (@NCTDAOYlNG) September 8, 2024

The previous day, Doyoung gave a speech that garnered attention on social media. He reassured NCTzens, telling them it’s okay if they need to take a break from being fans and that they can return anytime.

“everyone if perhaps, you want to rest from being a fan, it’s okay to rest. i’ll always be here so you can go back any time.” doyoung 🥹
pic.twitter.com/Gnz13Hte19

— ✰ (@daintymkl) September 7, 2024

“i’ll continue to sing in my place with all my might.* everyone if perhaps, you want to rest from being a fan, it’s okay to rest. i’ll always be here so you can go back any time. i think it would be great if you can support me without any hardships”
pic.twitter.com/9FvnjH3M1C https://t.co/d09VlAansE

— trishy (@mysekushiboo) September 7, 2024

Doyoung’s past couple of concerts moved NCTzens to tears. Many are sympathetic to him, knowing he is hurting but trying to encourage his fans.

from doyoung. pic.twitter.com/vLFGw7f8nu

— ✪ (@127stills) September 8, 2024

imagine telling your fans that you can rest and take a break if it's already hard 🥺 but everyone is still there infront of you supporting 🥺 DOYOUNG 🫂

doie you are doing well, you did well, we can do this— together 🥺

pic.twitter.com/GqN9liKLn6

— ja ✧.*⁠。 (@NCT20RESONANCE) September 8, 2024

it hurts because the reason of his tears and pain. It hurts because he should be happy and proud of his achievements but he thinks about how fans are feeling and telling us its okay to take a break. It hurts coz its not even his fault pic.twitter.com/N2Eg2iBaXY

— little light 🤍🌊 (@ddoingxo) September 8, 2024

This is the most saddest cry ive ever seen from doyoung oh my god 😢😢😢😢😢😢 pic.twitter.com/OhWC2U0CQ2

— little light 🤍🌊 (@ddoingxo) September 8, 2024

Doyoung also shared a letter via the bubble app. He apologized to fans for the late message and the tears that affected his singing. He reflected on his feelings after the recent events.

I’m really sorry for being so late. I know this message is belated when you must have been worried about me. I struggled with writing this, typing and deleting so many times. The reason it took me so long to figure it out was that this time, I really wanted to think about myself. I was thinking about when it would be truly okay for me—when I could talk to you without any other thoughts. It seems I needed more time, and that’s why it took me so long. I’m really sorry.

I was truly thankful for yesterday’s and today’s concerts. Intended or not, I ended up crying a lot during ‘Rest,’ and I feel very sorry for the Czennies who came to hear me singing as I couldn’t sing properly at the time.

If anything I say gets misunderstood or leads to misinterpretation, I don’t think I’d be able to watch that unfold without sadness. So, keeping a lot of things unsaid, I do want to mention one thing.

As always, I will sing my heart out in my place, so please don’t worry. That’s the most unchanging promise I can make. I will sing for as long as you believe in me. Thank you so much for yesterday and today.

Starting tomorrow, as always, I think we’ll cherish each other even more than before and continue to spend time together. Have sweet dreams and sleep well.

— Doyoung

Previously, Doyoung’s first public appearance since Taeil’s scandal left many fans heartbroken. Read more below.

NCT Doyoung’s Appearance During First Schedule Following Taeil’s Sex Scandal Leaves Fans Heartbroken