Fans bite staff, cancel flights: BTS’s V, NCT speak out on growing crowd chaos
NCT, left, and BTS member V / Xportsnews
A growing number of incidents involving unruly fan behavior at public events are raising safety concerns and drawing criticism — not just from bystanders, but also from the idols themselves.
On Aug. 6, 80 contestants from Mnet’s “Boys 2 Planet” performed their signal song “Hola Solar” during a break at the Doosan-LG baseball game at Seoul’s Jamsil Baseball Stadium. However, the crowd's attention quickly turned from the stage to the audience, as some fans engaged in disruptive behavior.
According to eyewitness accounts and videos circulating online, certain fans ignored their assigned seats, crossed over safety barriers to film up close, and crowded the performance area — actions that risked potential accidents. One report even alleged that a fan bit a safety officer during the chaos, while others forced security staff to the ground. After the performance, large groups exited without cleaning up their trash, further fueling criticism.
NCT / Xportsnews
This is not an isolated case. Airports have long been plagued by similar disorder during celebrity arrivals and departures. The large crowds that gather to see idols often lead to physical contact between fans and security, sparking controversy and disrupting normal airport operations for general passengers.
On Aug. 7, SM Entertainment, the agency behind NCT, addressed the issue through its official fan community on Weverse. “Crowds at domestic and international airports are disrupting order,” it said, asking fans to refrain from excessive physical contact, unsolicited conversations, giving gifts or letters, and indiscriminate filming.
Shockingly, the company also revealed that “some individuals have been interfering with artists’ schedules by illegally obtaining personal information to change or cancel their flight seats.” The agency warned that such acts could result in legal action for obstruction of business and claims for damages.
Fans gather at an airport to catch a glimpse of their favorite idol. This photo is not related to the incidents described in the article. Xportsnews
Earlier this year, BTS member V faced similar issues during an overseas departure. Due to safety concerns caused by the crowd, he was unable to participate in a scheduled photo-op at the airport. Speaking later on a Weverse Live broadcast, V said, “The airport doesn’t belong only to us,” addressing the situation directly and calling for greater awareness.
He also mentioned the “Purple Line” campaign — an initiative started by BTS fans in 2018 to create a safe path for members at airports using purple ribbons, the group’s signature color. V encouraged fans to continue such voluntary efforts to help ensure both safety and smoother interactions.
This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.