The history of SM Entertainment artists and their parasocial relationships with fans have been quite interesting and tumultuous at the same time.
Starting from H.O.T, this SM group that debuted in 1996, was one of the first few boy bands to enjoy immense popularity in South Korea. Its fandom Club H.O.T would go to any lengths to protect its idols, even if it means battling it out with the rival fandom of SechsKies from Daesung Entertainment.
Besides the idol’s talents, visuals, and personality, SM marketing was such that fans would get invested in the idols monetarily, emotionally, or obsessively. SME artists have encountered all sorts of fans; every generation’s idols have gone through bizarre incidents. While some cases were straight-up lethal.
The Worst Things Sasaengs Did To SME Idols
Kim Hee Chul (Super Junior): The Super Junior member and a variety-show-darling Hee Chul, encountered a dangerous situation when he spotted a car following him. He realized that a bunch of Sasaengs (obsessive “fans”) were chasing him. He met with an accident while speeding his vehicle to get rid of them.
Since this trauma, he has expressed his stern disdain against such intrusive people, saying, “Sasaeng fans should not be called as fans.”
Yunho (TVXQ): In 2006, at the peak of their popularity, TVXQ members were often targets of Sasaengs. But one incident completely crossed the line of criminality. Yunho received a drink from one of the fans.
Unbeknownst to him, the drink was laced with super glue. Yunho was immediately taken to the ER and had to get his stomach pumped. The girl was arrested, but Yunho did not press charges. According to the girl, she intended to make Yunho forever remember her name.
Taeyeon (SNSD): This was one of the most bizarre cases of a “fan” kidnapping the idol in the middle of the live performance, in front of millions of fans under such tight security. The leader of SNSD, Taeyeon, went through a traumatic experience, which also says a lot about how women are considered easy targets.
EXO: This group was once considered the “Nation’s Boy group.” Naturally, the group enjoyed a loving fandom, but a few creeps did seep in through the cracks. Sasaengs have constantly followed the boys, stalking their schedules and even chasing them to their homes. But this one incident was so unimaginable that even their bodyguards were perplexed.
A group of Sasaengs hired a van/car and pretended to be EXO’s chauffeurs. When the boys approached this car, the bodyguard noticed something weird and immediately pulled the boys to a safe place. The Sasaengs were trying to kidnap the entire band!
More invasive incidents have occurred, including stalking, cyber-bullying, spreading misinformation, doxing, and, more frequently, giving death threats.
Aespa Winter Gets Death Threats
Aespa is one of the most influential groups of the 4th gen K-pop. They have been breaking records since their debut in 2020– “Black Mamba” is the fastest MV by a rookie K-Pop group to garner 100 million views (1 month and 21 days).
The group is spreading its wings across the globe, giving stellar live performances at Coachella, and is the first 4th gen group to perform at Tokyo Dome.
And as the rule of fame goes, people do not like when an artist achieves popularity so quickly. With much love and support from MYs (Aespa’s fandom name), a few rotten apples display hostility to the rookie group without any reason.
Just last month, Karina was at the receiving end of backlash for recommending an anime that offended some Chinese netizens. A few weeks later, she was again criticized/sexually harassed by some netizens who claimed that she fakes her body image.
And now, Winter is the new victim of Anti-fans. The 22-year-old idol was threatened when the poster wrote, “I’ll stab aespa’s Winter when she leaves tomorrow and kill her.”
What Did SM Entertainment Say About Stabbing Threats Against Aespa’s Winter?
SM Management quickly sprung into action and released its statement to this threat.
“A threatening post against Winter’s safety was posted on a community platform yesterday. Upon confirmation, we filed a formal complaint against the poster with the police and requested prompt investigative cooperation.”
“We have reinforced security personnel, and today, during aespa’s departure, we made sure to ensure a safe departure through coordinated efforts with security personnel and airport police. The police have also received multiple reports recently.
They visited our agency headquarters yesterday and today to verify security and safety conditions. We will continue to do our best to protect the safety of our artists.”
Such prompt “clapback” is the only way to dissuade such threats and teach these people a lesson on “consequences.”
Here’s a complete statement from SM Entertainment–
What is your take on this? Do you agree with SM’s statement? What should agencies do to protect their idols better? What are your opinions on Sasaengs?
Let us know in the comments section below.
