Nam Tae Hyun’s long-awaited return to the stage has hit a major roadblock, as organizers have officially canceled his scheduled appearance at “K-Pop Week in Hongdae.” Set to perform on May 6, his stage was anticipated to mark a symbolic comeback following years of public controversy—but mounting backlash has put those plans on hold.

Nam Tae Hyun’s Stage Pulled Just Days Before Performance

Hosted by Yoonso Group and fronted by comedian Yoon Hyung Bin, K-Pop Week in Hongdae runs from May 1 to 11, spotlighting small theater performances in the heart of Seoul’s indie music district. Nam Tae Hyun’s inclusion had stirred both curiosity and criticism, especially after Yoon’s earlier remarks encouraging the singer’s second chance. “He wants to reflect on his past and stand on stage again,” Yoon had said. Nam Tae Hyun himself had echoed this sentiment on social media, expressing gratitude for those who supported him and his desire to “return to [his] place” as a musician.

But just 48 hours before his performance, organizers confirmed the cancellation and began processing ticket refunds. The move has sparked intense online discussion, with many pointing to unresolved public anger over Nam Tae Hyun’s troubled history as the likely reason for the reversal.

A Troubled Past Still Casting a Long Shadow

Nam Tae Hyun, who rose to fame as part of WINNER in 2014 before launching his own band South Club, has been embroiled in scandal since 2022. That year, he and former Heart Signal 3 star Seo Min Jae (now Seo Eun Woo) were investigated for methamphetamine use, leading to a suspended prison sentence in 2023—one year of jail time, suspended over two years’ probation. He was also fined 6 million won for drunk driving later that year.

In an effort to confront his past, Nam Tae Hyun appeared on MBC’s investigative program Tracing 60 Minutes, discussing his battle with addiction and his road to recovery. He launched a YouTube channel and ramped up social media efforts to document his rehabilitation journey and artistic revival.

However, a new wave of backlash followed in the wake of Seo Eun Woo’s allegations, including claims that Nam Tae Hyun had threatened her with revenge porn—allegations he has denied. Despite his attempts at transparency, public sentiment remains overwhelmingly unsympathetic, and the cancellation of his stage is being widely interpreted as a reflection of that.

Complications Continue for Seo Eun Woo

Meanwhile, Seo Eun Woo has stirred headlines of her own. On May 1, she shocked the public by revealing she is pregnant, referring to her current partner as a “potential” father. Then, on May 4, she took to social media claiming she had been accused of stalking and asked for public assistance—adding another twist to her ongoing personal drama.

The canceled comeback highlights the harsh realities of rebuilding a public image in K-pop, where redemption arcs are often met with skepticism. As both Nam Tae Hyun and Seo Eun Woo continue to navigate their respective controversies, it remains to be seen whether either can step back into the spotlight—or if the shadows of their past will keep them sidelined for good.