On May 11, SM Entertainment published its sales and operating profits for the first quarter of 2023, reporting a 20% increase in sales (203.9 billion KRW in total) from the same quarter in 2022, but a 5% decrease in operating profits (18.3 billion KRW in total). 

The entertainment agency's financial report indicated that despite a huge increase in sales from 55 concerts held both domestically and globally in the first quarter of 2023, SM saw a decrease in operating profits due to a loss of approximately 4.9 billion KRW (~ $3.7 million USD) during the fierce acquisition bid between Kakao and HYBE.

As a result, the agency announced its intentions to boost sales and operating profits beginning in the second quarter of 2023. Below is a tentative music release plan published by SM Entertainment for the second and third quarters.

However, many fans were once again largely discontent with SME's "unrealistic" goals, and commented,

"You said Taeyeon was April last time tho LOL. You think because we haven't said anything, we're not mad??"

"Excuse me but D.O recorded that album LAST MAY."

"No Taeil and no NCT 127??? So they just giving up on 127 now???"

"Baekhyun solo hurry up!!!!!!!"

"This plan will have music releases in less time than every 2 weeks. Can you even do it???"

"I thought TEN was supposed to have a solo album."

"Since when did TVXQ disband... Are they just solo artists now..."

"There's no way this third quarter plan is possible or likely... and the fact that 127 and Red Velvet aren't even in it means...."

"So Baekhyun is going on a world tour without any new music..?"

"What a joke of a plan."

"So 127's repackaged album got pushed back to this year so that's gonna be it for them for the whole year..."

"If you would have hurried up and done your job, EXO could've had a comeback with Kai by now."

"Kyuhyun full album please."

"No 20th anniversary album for TVXQ..."

"Taemin solo TTTT."

"Okay bye NCT 127, have fun in the military I guess."