SM Entertainment has again come under fire after announcing a delay for yet another highly anticipated solo debut.
This time, it’s NCT’s Mark, whose first full-length album was originally planned for February 2025 but has now been pushed to April. The company explained that the decision was made to improve the album’s quality, asking fans for patience and understanding.
Despite SM’s reasons, fans are still unhappy with the company, which has been finding it very hard to stay on track with its promised schedule in the past few years.
안녕하세요.
마크의 첫 솔로 앨범 발매를 기다려 주시는 팬 여러분께 감사드리며, 앨범 발매 일정 변경 관련하여 말씀드립니다.
2025년 2월 중 발매 예정이었던 마크의 첫 번째 정규 앨범은 전체적인 완성도를 높이기 위해 부득이하게 2025년 4월로 발매 일정을 변경하게 되었습니다. 오랜 기간…
— NCT (@NCTsmtown) December 9, 2024
Hello,
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the fans eagerly awaiting Mark’s first solo album. We are writing to inform you about a change in the album’s release schedule.
Mark’s first full-length album, originally scheduled for release in February 2025, has been postponed to April 2025 to further enhance its overall quality and completeness. This decision was made after thorough discussions to ensure the album meets the highest standards, and we kindly ask for your understanding.
In addition, before the release of his first solo album, Mark will unveil a new single on December 16. We hope you will look forward to it and give it lots of love.
We sincerely apologize to all the fans who have been waiting for Mark’s solo album. Please rest assured that we are working hard to deliver an even better album for you.
Thank you.
— SM Entertainment via X (formerly known as Twitter)
While such delays are not uncommon in the industry, fans are growing increasingly frustrated with what seems to be a recurring issue at SM. Earlier this year, albums from Red Velvet’s Irene and Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon also faced significant setbacks. Both releases, initially scheduled for the third quarter of 2024, were delayed by months, finally arriving in late November.
taeyeon's album delayed, irene's album also delayed …
what is your problem with your female artists and why do you not want them to be bigger, why do you not want to ship their albums @SMTOWNGLOBAL
also, both of these albums were supposed to be released in q3 but moved to q4 pic.twitter.com/nr0gyoMFrO
— ᰔᩚ 💌🌷 (@taengirenes) December 6, 2024
The company has also faced further accusations of sabotaging Irene’s shot at winning a music show trophy.
SM Entertainment Accused Of Taking Away Red Velvet Irene’s Music Show Win
Many fans have taken to social media to voice their displeasure, criticizing the company’s lack of efficient planning and its repeated delays. Some argue that this pattern of postponements not only disrupts the excitement surrounding these releases but also affects the artists themselves, who face pressure and disappointment.
sm will never fail to prove that they’re such an incompetent company but well i hope mark will take his time and release his album whenever he’s ready and will be satisfied with it
— ًَ (@mklcult) December 9, 2024
i can’t believe the most official news about mark’s december single date was not from teasers but from a post announcing his album delay 😂
— 💫 (@zsamrk) December 9, 2024
SM you fucking suck! there’s only 6 days left until mark’s single solo but there’s none single hint of promotion for it, i’m tired of your poor management
— daf (@dre6mies) December 9, 2024
idk, if sm didn’t give him a million unnecessary schedules in the first place, mark would’ve had the right amount of time to focus on his own solo work. if mark is okay with this then so am i, it’s just unfortunate this has to happen all bc sm can’t do anything right 😭
— mari ◡̈ (@markzcity) December 9, 2024
As SM continues to face mounting criticism over these delays, it remains to be seen whether the company will take steps to address the concerns of its artists and fans—or if these postponements will continue to overshadow their major projects.
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