‘We’re not threats’: Fans protest growing aggression in K-pop security

Hearts2Hearts / Xportsnews

A new controversy has emerged over excessive security for K-pop idols, with critics questioning whether agencies are going too far in the name of protecting their artists.

On Tuesday, JTBC’s “Scandal Supervisor” aired CCTV footage showing a security guard for SM Entertainment’s rookie girl group Hearts2Hearts allegedly assaulting a fan at the airport two days earlier.

In the video, the guard is seen escorting group members when he suddenly pushes a woman by the neck and strikes her face with his elbow. The guard then forcefully restrains the woman as she tries to board the airport shuttle train, saying, “Are you crazy? What are you doing?” and “Why are you hitting the member?”

SM Entertainment responded through the program, saying, “The individual was a sasaeng (obsessive fan) who persistently pushed and tried to make physical contact with members from the airport entrance, which prompted the guard to intervene. We acknowledge that the response was excessive and have filed a complaint with the security agency and the individual guard. We will work harder to maintain order during artist travel going forward.”

'Scandal Supervisor' aired on JTBC / Captured from JTBC

The footage had already spread online, sparking fierce debate. Some internet users said the incident amounted to assault and questioned whether security personnel have the right to block access to public facilities like shuttle trains. Others defended the agency, saying it was simply taking “appropriate measures to protect the artist.”

The controversy escalated when the alleged victim posted her account on social media.

“I admit I made some mistakes,” she said, “but to be treated like a criminal and then see such a cold, one-sided statement — how would anyone feel? My lawyer, doctor, and even the investigator all told me to file charges. I didn’t, because I didn’t want to drag the artists into this.”

She also shared photos of bruises and her medical diagnosis, which included sprains, contusions on her upper right arm and head, and a four-week recovery prognosis. “I didn’t keep pushing anyone at the airport entrance. Sure, my arm bone cracked and I have bleeding in my brain, but I’ll be fine,” she wrote.

NCT Dream / Xportsnews

She also disputed SM’s labeling of her as an obsessive fan. “Is it okay to publish a public statement with false information? I admit I accidentally bumped into a member and would get on my knees to apologize. But does that justify treating me like an animal?”

This is not the first time an SM artist’s security guard has been accused of violence. In February 2023, a guard for NCT Dream was reported to have pushed a female fan so hard that she suffered a rib fracture requiring five weeks of recovery. The fan filed a police complaint, and authorities found sufficient evidence to refer the guard to prosecutors for professional negligence resulting in injury.

Public frustration is growing over what some fans call the industry’s “standstill attitude” toward their safety.

BOYNEXTDOOR / Xportsnews

Another incident occurred in December 2023, when a guard for BOYNEXTDOOR, a group under HYBE Labels, was seen roughly pushing a female fan attempting to photograph the artists. Witnesses said she fell to the ground after a loud commotion, turning heads throughout the area.

After backlash, the agency said, “We have delivered a personal apology to the affected individual and are checking on her physical and emotional well-being, as well as the condition of her belongings. The security personnel in question will not be assigned to any future artist events.”

The company added, “We will strengthen training and guidelines for our security staff to prevent such incidents from happening again.”

This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.