SM Entertainment and their yet-to-debut artist Taeyong of SM Rookies expressed their apologies for the artist's past behavior, which was recently brought to light.
The rookie idol was previously reported to have scammed people in online auctions when he was younger. According to the reports, Taeyong did not only scam online buyers prompting the auction website to ban him, but also made comments with demeaning language.
As reported by allkpop, a rep from SM entertainment said on December 10, "He is deeply reflecting on his mistaken behavior due to his lack of discrimination during his junior high school days, and we sincerely apologize to those who were harmed. Not only Taeyong, but the agency itself will try to make him mature into an artist with good talent and an upright character."
Previous reports claimed that back in 2009, Taeyong scammed buyers by not sending the item after payment was made or by sending in defective item and not offering refund. Other reports claim that he also did not deliver ordered items even if payment was made. It was said that the rookie idol, who used different usernames, has been banned many times by the auction website.
Soompi reported that evidences surfaced included text messages from Taeyong, where he used swears and obscene words after a buyer asked him about a problematic transaction.
According to Enews, Taeyong was only 15 years old at that time.
The SM artist has not yet debuted but he was previously featured as a rapper in "Be Natural" by the record label's rookie girl group Red Velvet. He is a member of SM Rookies, group of yet-to-debut talents who are still training under the agency.
While he has not officially debuted, Taeyong already has impressive following from K-pop fans. The same is true with other SM trainees.
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