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| "Sasaeng" fans of K-pop boy band NCT at the airport. Captured from the Instagram of Girls' Generation member Hyoyeon |
By Dong Sun-hwa
What makes some people get so obsessed with entertainers that they turn into "sasaeng" ― those pursuing everything about the stars to the point of not just offending them but making them feel threatened?
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| Kwak Keum-joo, a professor of psychology at Seoul National University |
"People, especially teenagers, in Korea are lacking opportunities to enjoy cultural activities, which I believe is one of the crucial factors that gave birth to numerous 'sasaeng,'" Kwak Keum-joo, a professor of psychology at Seoul National University, told The Korea Times.
"Sasaeng" means private life in Korean, but in this case refers to obsessive fans.
Kwak said: "In their early days, they mostly watch television and listen to K-pop, instead of enjoying a variety of hobbies such as playing instruments and doing sports. They do not have other pastimes except for 'fangirling' or 'fanboying,' hence get obsessed with the only hobby to the degree that it inflicts damage on the stars."
Kwak said the media is partly responsible for the phenomenon, as they focus too much on hallyu and K-pop these days, not allowing people to appreciate diversity.
"Hallyu has apparently enhanced national prestige, as the case of boy band BTS substantiates ― but it also gave rise to 'sasaeng' and obsession, which I regard as the ill effects of the fever."
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| "Sasaeng" fans came to the wedding of EXO's Baekhyun's brother and took photos. Captured from online community |
Some "sasaeng" fans chase the stars all day, while others wait for them in front of their homes. These fans have been harassing the stars since 1990s, as idol groups such as H.O.T. began rocking Korea.
Kwak described such behavior as an act of self-display, rather than a "delusional disorder."
In one case, a fan broke into K-pop act TVXQ's residence and took a photo, which they sent to the group.
Jackson Wang of K-pop boy band GOT7 even had a car accident in 2016 because of the taxi containing "sasaeng" following the rapper.
"Even among fans, they have competitions to stand out and to get more attention from the stars," Kwak said. "They want to boast that they are 'different.'"
However, although they garner private information about the stars using inappropriate means, they keep it confidential. They usually do not reveal it because it could ruin the careers of their beloved ones. In addition, they are reluctant to share what they know, since they pursue exclusiveness.
Agencies often fear that the "sasaeng" will reveal sensitive things about the stars. But as the "sasaeng" are also considered fans, if agencies treat them unfavorably, they could lose them.
Legal action is not seen as the best solution. Stalking, one of the most common wrongdoings committed by the "sasaeng," is considered a minor offense in Korea, attracting a fine of only 100,000 won ($89).
"Now, the celebrities have to be more determined," Kwak said. "They should not accept everything from their fans, whether it is a gift or affection, but provide official guidelines for restriction."
"Stars have to raise their own voices if they want to bring about changes. It requires courage and this could upset some fans. But still, they need to be more firm and let the fans clearly know the dos and don'ts."
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