SuperM to replace NCT Lucas for their 2023 comeback? Netizens speculate the potential new member

On January 1, 2023, SuperM's official YouTube account released a teaser for their upcoming comeback, and the 25-second video had fans digging for hints. Interestingly, a very specific part of the video displaying seven strings of light piqued fans' interest the most in the entire video. Following a lengthy pause, the possible hint of having all seven members back together in 2023 excited fans.

However, amid the good news, fans also speculate that given NCT Lucas' ongoing hiatus ever since his cheating scandal, he might have been replaced by another SM artist, possibly TVXQ Yunho. Though the information hasn't been confirmed yet, fans anticipate whether or not Lucas will ever return as an SM artist and have taken to Twitter to express their mixed reactions.

Fans react to theories surrounding SuperM's 2023 comeback: Lucas' return, new member, and more

Following the release of the SuperM comeback teaser, fans couldn't help but dwell on its intricasies. Since the beginning of EXO Baekhyun and SHINee Taemin's military service, SuperM had halted their activities until the idols' return in 2023. Given that NCT Lucas has also been on hiatus since 2021, fans are trying to guess whether Lucas is finally back for good or if he's being replaced in SuperM.

The seven laser lights in the teaser that initially fed the rumors are of different colors, each possibly referring to the members of SuperM, namely, SHINee Taemin, EXO Baekhyun and KAI, NCT Mark, Taeyong, Ten, and Lucas. While some argue that there are four green lights to indicate the NCT members taking part in the comeback, others believe that the bright shining red light is for TVXQ Yunho.

Realistically speaking, fans think that NCT Lucas was most likely replaced, given that his return would've been more appropriate through WayV's latest comeback Phantom. This naturally prompted netizens to speculate who could be the possible replacement. Other fans, however, held out hope that Lucas would take part in SuperM's comeback.

Regardless, many fans have also expressed that uncertainty about the news and the possible change in the group's lineup is not what they want. In an ideal SuperM comeback, fans wish for the originally crafted lineup of members to appear, and cutting Lucas off will disrespect both the artist and his fans. While some are curious about the addition of a new member, others simply don't want a comeback without NCT Lucas.

Fans urged for a proper explanation of the change in the lineup, if any, and of Lucas' continuing hiatus despite the debunked allegations. Among the many concerns people have for the comeback, they also worry that adding a member from TVXQ might not be the best decision, given that the group hasn't had a comeback themselves. Fans also believe that a visible disparity among the groups exists.

In other news, fans also expressed their concerns about NCT Mark and his lack of rest. Given that the idol has been constantly working and touring for almost a year with no break, the news of the comeback has only fuelled fans' concerns. They hope that Mark gets sufficient time to rest and regain his strengths before SuperM's comeback and its promotions.

With so much speculation concerning the comeback, fans surely experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. Since it is one of the most awaited returns ever since the group's show-stopping album dropped in 2020, Super One, which dominated the internet, fans rejoiced at the news. However, the uncertainty and confusion that followed has left them processing some mixed emotions.

About the author

Aishwarya is a pop culture writer who covers K-drama and K-pop at Sportskeeda. After completing her Bachelor's in English and Communication Skills, she sought a job that allowed her to explore her passion, and being a K-pop and K-drama reporter felt like the ideal fit. Aishwarya has 3 years of experience under her belt and previously took on several internships in the industry that further motivated her in choosing writing as a career.

Aishwarya believes in conducting extensive research and verifying facts with the help of reputable sources to produce accurate articles. She also spends a significant amount of time on Twitter to understand how netizens are reacting to the latest trends in the industry before crafting her content.

She admires SUGA from BTS for his dedication to his work and aspires to immerse herself into the things she loves, just like him. If she could go back in time, she would jump at the opportunity to be part of ""Reply 1988,"" a K-drama set in a time when neighborhood relationships were cherished and interpersonal connections were of utmost importance. Although she loves how technology has advanced, she would also love to experience living in an era before it was invented.

When Aishwarya's not writing and reading about the latest developments in the industry, she spends her time crocheting, sketching, cycling, reading Mangas, and cooking.

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