Korean celebrities and their stalkers: when fans of K-pop groups like Twice and Exo go too far in their idol obsession
- Obsessive fans will buy tickets for the same flights as their idols to take photos, then ask to be let off the plane
- New measures are being put into place to deter them from doing this, including high last-minute cancellation fees
By Kim Hyun-bin
Stalkers and obsessive fans of K-pop idols are a major problem for the entertainment industry, and this is spilling over into public spaces, especially in the confines of aeroplanes after some board the same planes as their favourite celebrities.
JYP Entertainment said on its website that it would pursue legal action against the man.
“On board a flight from Japan to Korea today, a stalker followed Nayeon on the flight and continued to approach her, causing a ruckus in the cabin,” JYP said in a statement on Wednesday. “There was no direct harm done to the artist, but she feels anxious and uncomfortable about the incident.”
According to the company, Nayeon is under police protection. “Together with the police, the company has warned the stalker multiple times against approaching her, but he has ignored the warnings and nearly clashed with company employees. Despite the warnings, the man has continued the problematic acts without any self-reflection.”