Lee Soo-hyuk’s China fan meeting sparks 'mistreatment' controversy

Actor Lee Soo-hyuk / Newsis

Actor Lee Soo-hyuk’s recent fan meeting in Hangzhou, China, has stirred controversy after reports that the event overextended its schedule and left him visibly exhausted.

His agency issued a statement expressing regret over what it described as unforeseen circumstances, while pledging full support for the actor’s future activities.

“We are deeply grateful to the fans who showed interest in the Lee Soo-hyuk's first fan meeting in Hangzhou," his agency, Saram Entertainment, said on its official social media account on Wednesday. "We believe that every moment shared between artists and fans carries special meaning. We sincerely regret the unforeseen circumstances that occurred during the event.”

The agency added, “We will do our best to move in a better direction through this experience and will work closely with related parties to ensure improved preparations for future meetings.”

According to reports from the event, Lee had been scheduled for a six-and-a-half-hour autograph signing event, but due to overselling by organizers, it stretched into an exhausting 12-hour session as he was forced to sign thousands of autographs for fans.

To make matters worse, the air conditioning broke down, leaving Lee drenched in sweat as he carried out his event obligations. Despite this, organizers were said to have asked him to sign 500 additional posters.

By the time he left the venue, Lee reportedly looked pale and unsteady. Photos circulating online showed his shirt drenched in sweat, prompting concern over what many described as mistreatment, with some fans protesting that “the organizers did not even treat him like a human being.”

Lee debuted as a model in 2006 before establishing himself as an actor through dramas such as “White Christmas,” “The Scholar Who Walks the Night,” “Doom at Your Service” and “Queen Woo.”

He most recently walked the red carpet at the Cannes International Series Festival for “S Line,” which was invited to the long-form competition section. His solo fan meeting in China drew huge interest, selling out within two minutes when tickets opened on Aug. 17.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.