Do K-pop fans really have the right to demand Exo fire singer Chen – just because he had the audacity to get engaged?

Jan 22 , 2020

K-pop singer Chen has faced calls for his expulsion from the band Exo – after announcing his plans to marry a ‘non celebrity’. Photos: Instagram

Fans have staged placard-waving public protests demanding the singer is ejected from Exo after he released a heartfelt handwritten statement declaring his intention to marry – a bloodthirsty abuse of power known as ‘gapjil’ in Korean

“Fans don't have any right [to threaten] an idol, especially when the member didn't commit a crime or conduct an immoral act. It's called gapjil, a Korean term that refers to abuse of power,” culture critic Ha Jae-keun said, in reaction to the abuse K-pop star Chen has received ever since he announced he was getting married.

The surprise engagement news from Chen, a member of boy band Exo, has divided fans and critics so intensely that it has not only sparked an internet flame war but a walkout protest.

On Sunday (January 19) about 30 fans gathered near SM Town Coex Artium in Seoul holding banners that read, “Chen Out”, demanding the singer leave the group.

I think Chen owes us an apology – he should feel sorry for his fans, who have devoted their time and money for Exo

Chen, Exo fan

K-pop band Exo have been left in crisis following Chen’s surprise engagement news.

A self-proclaimed fan surnamed Lee, who took part in the protest, said the 28-year-old star should apologise to fans for letting them down.

“I think Chen owes us an apology,” she said. “He should feel sorry for his fans, who have devoted their time and money for Exo. Disappointingly, he did not utter a single word to express he's sorry in the letter.”

The band’s fan community – who refer to themselves as Exo-L Ace – also released a statement urging label SM Entertainment to expel Chen from the group.

“Such an unexpected move from Chen not only breaks the trust between the singer and the fans but also is a selfish choice that shows no respect for the group,” it said.

The controversy came a week after Chen confirmed on January 13 that he would marry his girlfriend, who is not a celebrity, hinting at a “blessing” which many have interpreted as a reference to pregnancy.

Exo’s Chen has fallen in love – but not everyone is impressed.

“I have a girlfriend, with whom I want to share the rest of my life,” he said in a handwritten letter to his fans. “I had been consulting my company and members on how to break this news to our fans who have been so supportive of us throughout. In this process, a 'blessing' came to us.”