During this time which he was silent, SM released vicious rumours on the internet, manipulating the public’s opinion. It was clearly the company who forbade his return, yet it was spread to the public that it was his choice not to come back. Placing all the burden on him, they even had the other members record the MV without him, giving him further pressure. Using a multitude of tried-and-tested PR tactics on a young person who knew absolutely nothing and had no background information or backing, who had never done anything to defend himself. Where was their conscience?