A recent event involving K-pop group RIIZE has sparked significant backlash from fans, igniting discussions around fan behavior and the protection of idols’ privacy. This comes just after heightened attention on the group due to Seunghan‘s sudden departure, which followed his brief return to group activities after a controversial hiatus.
Fans Protest Seunghan’s Return
Earlier, fans of RIIZE had already made headlines for delivering hundreds of funeral wreaths to SM Entertainment in protest of Seunghan’s return to the group. This act highlighted the intensity of fan reactions, with many questioning the commodification and dehumanization of idols in the K-pop industry. Fans argued that the symbolic gesture of sending wreaths crossed a line, portraying the extreme lengths to which some might go in voicing their disapproval.
Seunghan’s withdrawal further amplified discussions on how fans relate to idols and their rights to privacy and dignity.
Incident at the Airport: Sungchan Mobbed by Fans
Just after the official announcement regarding Seunghan, RIIZE had scheduled activities in Japan. However, this trip drew attention for the wrong reasons. Sungchan, another member of RIIZE, was seen getting mobbed by fans at the airport during the group’s departure. Despite the group’s attempts to move through the airport smoothly, it became chaotic as eager fans tried to get closer to the idols.
This incident left fans on social media furious, expressing their disappointment over the lack of personal space and safety for the members. However, it wasn’t the general crowd behavior that caused the most outrage.
A specific fan, allegedly from a fansite, was spotted behaving inappropriately, and the footage has since gone viral. The video shows the alleged fansite taking photos of RIIZE members from an off-limits area. What alarmed many viewers was that the individual was seen taking rapid shots over a wall, where the group was going through an identity verification checkpoint. The proximity and the invasive nature of the photos raised immediate concerns about the group’s privacy.
In the video, airport staff attempted to intervene by raising a chair to block the fansite from continuing to take pictures. Despite the staff’s efforts, the individual kept snapping away, ignoring the clear boundaries set by authorities. Fans were quick to point out that from the angle of the fansite, sensitive information like the group members’ passport details could have been captured.
When the camera’s angle changes, the area where most taking photos are located is set up strategically behind this barricade.
The online K-pop community has since been flooded with comments calling the fansite’s behavior “disgusting” and a violation of the group’s privacy. Fans also discussed the troubling trend of fansites engaging in such invasive behavior, risking the safety and security of idols for exclusive photos.
One fan commented:
“This is beyond unacceptable. These fansites are risking the members’ safety just to get a picture. There needs to be stricter rules at airports for this kind of thing.”
Another user shared their frustration:
“Idols are humans too, they deserve privacy, especially when it comes to something as personal as their passport info.”
This incident has only added to the ongoing conversation about how K-pop idols are treated by the industry and fans alike, highlighting the need for stricter measures to protect their privacy.
I don’t think ppl realize the saseng can take photos of their passports from that angle. The attendant gave them get back just so they couldn’t see, yet we know SM will do fuck all https://t.co/gs2EUrOYvK
it’s scary because these supposed fans treated them as if they’re nothing but just zoo attractions and not as actual human beings if you think about it https://t.co/f7dVQmSQxS
As of now, SM Entertainment has not released an official statement regarding this specific incident. However, the agency had previously issued warnings against inappropriate fan behavior in public places, especially at airports.
Given the outrage from fans, many are urging the agency to take action and ensure the safety of RIIZE and other artists in similar situations.
Final Thoughts
The viral footage of the fansite’s actions has left many K-pop fans feeling appalled and frustrated. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing privacy challenges faced by K-pop idols and the importance of setting stricter boundaries to protect their personal information. Fans are now calling for better security measures and more respect for the personal space of idols.
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