( Image credit : BTS is currently the biggest group in the world. Credit: X|@bts_bighit )
The incident at NCT WISH’s fansign
The idol in question is Sion, a member of SM Entertainment’s rookie group NCT WISH. On October 2 (KST), the group held a fansign event in Shanghai where members interacted directly with fans.
( Image credit : NCT WISH’s fansign event in Shanghai. Credit: X|@nctwishofficial )
During one interaction, a fan asked Sion if he could try theKillin’ It Girldance challenge, a TikTok trend originating from BTS’ J-Hope hit track which has gone viral across the globe.
Sion’s response about company restrictions
The 5th-gen idol replied that he genuinely wanted to take on the challenge but couldn’t because of restrictions from “his company.” His candid response hinted at a level of control from SM Entertainment that goes beyond the usual choreography and promotional activities, extending even to seemingly harmless social media challenges.
( Image credit : NCT WISH’s Sion sparks heated debate online over him unable to do J-Hope’s dance challenge. Credit: X|@nctwishofficial )
Despite expressing his disappointment, Sion ended up giving in to the fan’s request and performed a very brief snippet of theKillin’ It Girldance. While the moment lasted only a few seconds, it carried significant weight – especially because he openly admitted the reason behind his hesitation.
Fan reactions to the revelation
Clips of the exchange rapidly went viral on X (formerly known as Twitter), sparking heated discussions among fans and netizens. Many took Sion’s words as proof that SM Entertainment discourages its idols from engaging with trends connected to BTS or HYBE.
During a fan meeting, a fan asked NCT members to dance to Killin’ It Girl. They mentioned they wanted to dance too, but due to SM’s current situation, it wasn’t allowed. pic.twitter.com/ZxCWs3zI4z
— HOPE BASE (@JHPOPBASE) October 3, 2025
This only added weight to the long-standing belief that the company is intentionally distancing itself from anything associated with BTS – even when it’s something as harmless as a TikTok dance challenge.
The moment left fans divided. Some expressed frustration, accusing SM of clinging to an old rivalry and refusing to acknowledge BTS’ influence in the industry. Others, however, found the situation amusing, joking that the “Voldemort treatment” was alive and well.
Older armys probably remember how SM was actively involved in trying to sabotage BTS during their rising years. In fact even until 2017 so many SM producers would openly accuse BTS of plagiarism on SNS. And would often pass snaky comments to belittle their hardwork. https://t.co/9f6Lg0hREy
— ˖ . ݁𝜗𝜚. ݁₊ (@tweetiesrkive) October 3, 2025
SM is strictly banning their idols from mentioning BTS, or dancing to their songs. You could tell already by the TVXQ Changmin situation in 2018. You guys can’t even imagine how butthurt vile and criminal is SM to BTS until you witness it. Ntm even the amount of times they were… https://t.co/yMIDFUyRFkpic.twitter.com/pN4k44iUQQ
— kkotshin⁷ (@taesoothe) October 3, 2025
SM taking BTS as a voldemort since day 1 and sabotaging BTS even when they are just rookies,had their wiTchcraft against BTS,had their anti-hybe campaign just because of BTS exist but there the media and kpoopies act like nothing happened. https://t.co/MK1JIiNVKEpic.twitter.com/B9jw1VNMfh
— MoonEcho⁷ (@Tanniology13) October 3, 2025
The blend of sharp criticism and playful commentary has reignited a familiar debate: does SM Entertainment still see BTS – and by extension HYBE – as a rival better left unspoken?
