Arrest of BTS V's stalker exposes K-Pop Sasaeng fans' obsessive behaviour
The stalker of popular boy band BTS member V is currently under investigation by the Gangnam Police in Seoul, South Korea. On October 27, it was disclosed that a woman in her 30s had been stalking V through a marriage application.
Referred to as Sasaeng fans in Korea, this incident is just one among many instances where K-Pop idols and celebrities have been confronted with such alarming behaviour. Let's delve into some of these Sasaeng fan incidents involving K-Pop idols.
What happened
- The woman allegedly waited for V outside his residence, trailing him as he drove into the parking lot and subsequently followed him into the building.
- She even pursued V into an elevator at his residence, attempting to persuade him to sign a marriage certificate.
Subsequently, on the same morning, BIGHIT MUSIC, V's label, announced their uncompromising stance against stalking incidents that disrupt their artists' personal lives and jeopardise their safety.
If you're unfamiliar with Sasaeng fans, here's a brief overview:
- Sasaeng fans, also known as sasaengs, are excessively passionate K-pop enthusiasts in South Korea.
- Their dedication leads them to invade the privacy of their idols, engaging in behaviors such as stalking, monitoring their activities, and even harassment.
- These actions are widely condemned as invasive, disrespectful, and detrimental to the well-being of celebrities, raising concerns about their safety and mental health.
- The term "sasaeng" embodies their intrusion into the private lives of celebrities.
Now, let's explore three notable Sasaeng fan incidents involving other K-Pop idols:
1. Stray Kids
In 2021, Stray Kids' Seungmin voiced his frustration via the LYSN app, specifically addressing Sasaeng fans lingering near the group's dormitory.
He highlighted that these sasaeng fans often intrude outside their dorms, violating their privacy late at night.
Subsequently, it was revealed that fans found breaching the agency's policies could face permanent blacklisting from Stray Kids' fan club activities.
2. Blackpink Jennie
Filipino social media influencer Christian Albert Gaza gained attention in 2023 for organizing a $30,000 or Rs. 2,472,631 billboard featuring K-pop girl group Blackpink member Jennie.
Located near the YG Entertainment headquarters in Seoul, the billboard featured a message in Korean and English, declaring, "Kim Jennie Ruby Jane, you are my ultimate crush. Can I take you out to dinner and make me the happiest man alive?"
This display sparked concerns among fans regarding Jennie's safety and privacy, prompting hashtags like #protectjennie and #leavejenniealone on social media, criticising Gaza's actions.
3. NCT's Jeno
K-pop idols, particularly NCT Dream member Jeno, are no strangers to receiving unwanted calls from sasaengs. In early 2020, during a casual live broadcast featuring NCT Dream members Renjun, Jeno, and Chenle interacting with fans, Jeno's phone was persistently bombarded with more than 20 sasaeng calls.
This incessant calling compelled Renjun to answer the phone off-screen and request the fan to desist from calling and harassing Jeno.