NCT Member’s New Album Teaser Criticized for Alleged BTS “Swim” Copying

NCT’s Taeyong is facing backlash after dropping a teaser video for his upcoming first album, WYLD. The clip sparked unexpected criticism online.

The controversy began when many ARMYs pointed out that Taeyong’s teaser looked similar to BTS’s “Swim” music video, which also featured a ship.

“damn was bts’s swim mv props were at 50% sale?” — @tomielvvs_

““Arirang” isn’t even one year old yet and it already has thousands of cheap sons omg free her ” — @solmerv

Soon after, NCTzens fired back, confused by the accusations. They argued that using a ship concept is nothing new and has been around in media for ages.

“it’s either you’re living in the mountains or a fucking 10 year old to have beef to people using things like boats that have been existing in movies, music videos, concepts, and art” — @mieyongyongyong

Fans also highlighted that Taeyong served in the Navy, which could explain the ship imagery in his teaser.

“ah yes … the guy who’s actually been in the navy is stealing now a one second clip of a ship … the more yall run around and accuse every group and person out there for stealing the more ridiculous yall look” — @icednanaricano

“the man spent almost 2 years of his life in the actual NAVY and can’t even use a ship in his album imagery…” — @SUHWONU

“ok so the idol who was ACTUALLY IN THE FUCKING NAVY for AN ENTIRE YEAR AND A HALF can’t use boat imagery for his album bc bts also did so….. we’re losing the plot so so so bad” — @neogotmybangtan

As the situation unfolded, some fans expressed disbelief at the harsh claims.

“liking bts is a sign that someone has an extremely low iq” — @tytaped

“The way army are tuned into nct activities despite their faves releasing their highly anticipated album and being on a world tour like i know they’re lip syncing and stumbling through all their performances but it gets to a point” — @miumiuthong

The debate continues as Taeyong prepares to release WYLD on May 18, 2026, at 6 PM KST. Fans remain divided over the ship imagery controversy, but many stand firmly behind the NCT leader.

TAEYONG 태용 ‘WYLD’ Clip pt. 5https://t.co/aT3wOoCH0E

TAEYONG 【WYLD – The 1st Album】
➫ 2026.05.18 6PM (KST)

Pre-save&add&orderhttps://t.co/i6PRrJ2K3U

EVERYTHING, ALL AT ONCE, NEOhttps://t.co/cXqEtSCTSI #TAEYONG #태용#WYLD #TAEYONG_WYLD #NCT #NCT127… pic.twitter.com/Q2LQzzOE7D

— NCT (@NCTsmtown) May 7, 2026