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Boy band members spark abuse concerns with repeated distress hand signals
K-pop boy band Fantasy Boys / Captured from X
By Pyo Kyung-min
Members of the K-pop boy band Fantasy Boys have raised concerns after fans noticed what appeared to be distress signals during recent live broadcasts, prompting speculation of possible abuse by their agency.
In a livestream clip circulating online, member Minseo was seen using a hand gesture widely recognized as a silent signal for help — a gesture developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to indicate abuse during video calls. The signal involves showing the palm, tucking in the thumb and folding the fingers over it.
Hanbin, another member, was also seen making the same gesture during a music show appearance in April.
As the footage spread across social media, fans shared previous messages from different members of the 10-piece group, which included mention of injuries and hospital visits. Some interpreted the posts as potential signs of abuse.
With the situation quickly gaining traction, Minseo and Hanbin each addressed the controversy through a fan communication app.
In an unexpected apology, Minseo asked fans not to worry and attributed the livestream incident to "extreme exhaustion."
"I never intended to cause any misunderstandings, but things escalated way more than I expected," he wrote. "I'm truly sorry for causing concern and distress."
Hanbin also sought to reassure fans, saying he was "totally fine" and describing his hand gesture as a misunderstanding. "I was just caught off guard and got flustered, so I kind of fumbled and stuttered," he wrote.
Despite the statements, skepticism lingered among fans, with some questioning whether the group's management agency, PocketDol Studio, had influenced the members' responses. Some additionally noted that Minseo did not directly address the gesture, fueling continued concern.
As of Tuesday afternoon, PocketDol Studio has not released an official statement regarding the incident or the abuse allegations.
Fantasy Boys member Minseo, left, sends what appears to be a distress hand signal commonly understood to signal possible abuse during the group's recent livestream. Captured from X
This is not the first time Kim Kwang-soo, founder and CEO of PocketDol Studio, has faced accusations of mistreating artists. Kim is known for producing K-pop groups including Turbo, T-ara and Davichi.
In a 2011 television appearance, Turbo member Kim Jung-nam said he had been beaten by workers from his agency with ashtrays and metal pipes.
"If it was just ashtrays and chairs being thrown, I'd be thankful. Getting hit once and going to the hospital for stitches was actually better," Kim Jung-nam said at the time.
Another former Turbo member, Mikey, claimed he was never paid properly. "The company took all the money we earned. I didn't receive a single won of the settlement I was owed," he said.
Kim Kwang-soo also faced criticism in 2012 over bullying allegations within girl group T-ara. He was accused of failing to properly address the issue, with some saying he neglected both the alleged victim and the group.
The controversy resurfaced in November 2024 when Kim appeared on an MBN variety show and addressed the decade-old incident, reigniting backlash.