SONEs are puzzled with Taeyeon's exclusion on SM's lineup for the upcoming SMTOWN LIVE 2023, sparking a discussion if the idol has left the agency.

Here's what people are saying.

Girls' Generation Taeyeon Excluded From SMTOWN Performance Lineup + SONEs Express Frustration on Agency

On July 26, SONEs have discovered that Taeyeon was not included in SM Entertainment's SMTOWN LIVE 2023 performance lineup, causing a stir online.

SM Entertainment announced the news on July 26, stating that the SMTOWN LIVE 2023 will be held on September 23, at Jakarta, Indonesia. For additional context, it will also mark the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Korea and Indonesia.

Regarding the event's performance lineup, the poster included several of SM Entertainment's best acts such as TVXQ, Super Junior, Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT DREAM, WayV, aespa, and the agency's upcoming new boy group.   

However, fans noticed that Taeyeon was nowhere to be found on the list, causing speculations of the idol having left her longtime agency SM Entertainment.

This context became more highlighted when the author mentioned Taeyeon's impending contract renewal this August 2023. The author stated:

"This is the SM concert in September, but Taeyeon's name didn't appear on the lineup. She's also supposed to renew her contract in August this year."

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Seeing this, majority of fans dismissed the author's sentiments about Taeyeon possibly withdrawing from the agency. They also claimed how Taeyeon and other SM artists weren't included in the forthcoming concert because of their busy schedules.

Others assured the author that Taeyeon has already renewed her contract ahead of its deadline, and that there's nothing to worry about. Read their comments here:

• "BoA, SHINee, and SNSD are also not there, so do you think they all left SM? They're not there because of their schedules."
• "KAKAO's directors have requested Taeyeon to renew, and SM's directors also attended Taeyeon's concert. She already renewed, okay?"
• "Didn't you know that Taeyeon is currently touring? She just finished on Jakarta, so there was no need for her inclusion at SM's concert because of her tour."
• "Are you a Taeyeon hater? The solo tour just got her schedule packed."

However, a sufficient portion of fans were still left baffled with Taeyeon's exclusion, along with artists EXO, Kangta, BoA, Red Velvet, SNSD, and SHINee. This is due to how these mentioned acts can set the stage on fire with their live performances and unparalleled charisma.

• "In that lineup, there are no Kangta, BoA, SNSD Taeyeon or Hyoyeon, SHINee and EXO."
• "The previous SMTOWN got one performance from Taeyeon too, so it's better not to go."
• "I'm a bit disappointed because there's no EXO or Taeyeon on that lineup."
• "Even if Red Velvet was there, they'll only perform two songs."
• "Even I find the lineup quite unappealing.
• "It's a scam since this concert is only a way to promote their new boy group."

Will you look forward to SMTOWN LIVE 2023? Tell us in the comments below!

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Written by Riely Miller