( Image Credit: BTS is currently the largest group in the world. Credit: X | @BTS_BIGHIT )
The event at NCT Wish’s Fansign
The idol in question is Zion, a member of the 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 an interaction a fan sion asked if he could tryKillin ‘it girlDance Challenge, a Tiktok trend that originates from BTS ‘J-hope-hit tracks that has gone viral all over the world.
Zion’s response to the restrictions of the company
The fifth genius replied that he really wanted to take on the challenge but could not because of restrictions from “his company.” His sincere response suggested a level of control from SM entertainment that goes beyond the usual choreography and marketing activities and even extends to seemingly harmless social media.
( Image Credit: NCT Wish’s Zion Spark’s heated debate online over him that can’t do J-hopes dance challenge. Credit: X | @nctwishofficial )
Although he expressed his disappointment, Sion ended by giving in to the fan’s request and performing a very short extract ofKillin ‘it girldance. While the moment lasted only a few seconds, it was significant – especially because he openly recognized the cause behind his hesitation.
Fan reactions to the revelation
Cuts of the exchange quickly became viral on X (formerly known as Twitter), which led to heated discussions among fans and Netizens. Many took the words of Zion as evidence that SM entertainment discourages their idols from engaging in trends linked to BTS or Hybe.
During a fan meeting, a fan NCT members asked to dance to kill IT girl. They mentioned that they also wanted to dance, but because of SM’s current situation it was not allowed. pic.twitter.com/zxcws3zi4z
– Hope Base (@Jhpopbase) October 3, 2025
This only increased the weight to the prolonged belief that the company intentionally distances itself from everything associated with BTS – even when it is something as harmless as a Tiktok dance challenge.
The moment left fans shared. Some expressed frustration and accused the SM of holding on to an old rivalry and refused to recognize BTS influence in the industry. However, others thought the situation was entertaining and joked that the “Voldemort treatment” was alive and good.
Older Army’s probably remember how SM was actively involved in trying to sabotage BTS during its rising years. In fact, until 2017, so many SM producers openly accuse BTS for plagiarism on SNS. And would often cope with Snaky comments to reduce their hard work. https://t.co/9f6lg0hrey
– ˖. ݁𝜗𝜚. ݁₊ (@tweetiesrkive) October 3, 2025
SM strictly prohibits its idols from mentioning BTS or dancing to their songs. You can already tell us by the TVXQ Changmin situation 2018. You can’t even imagine how butthurt is difficult and criminals are SM to BTS until you witness it. Ntm even how many times they were … https://t.co/ymidfuyrfkpic.twitter.com/pn4k44iuqq
– kkotshin⁷ (@taesoothe) October 3, 2025
SM that took BTS as a Voldemort since day 1 and sabotages BTS even when they are just a beginner, had their sorcery against BTS, had their anti-hybe campaign just because of BTS, but there are media and kpoopies that nothing happened. https://t.co/mk1jiinvkepic.twitter.com/b9jw1vnmfh
– moonecho⁷ (@tanniology13) October 3, 2025
The mixture of sharp criticism and playful comments has recalled a familiar debate: Does SM Entertainment still see BTS – and, by extension, Hybe – as a rival better left countless?
