Fresh on the heels of the disturbing mobbing event involving SEVENTEEN‘s Jun, another alarming incident has emerged. This time, it’s the popular girl group (G)I-DLE facing a perilous situation in China’s airport.
| CUBE Entertainment
Viral videos circulating across social media platforms reveal a harrowing scene at the airport. The five members of (G)I-DLE, along with a handful of security personnel, found themselves engulfed by a swarm of fans and reporters. The security team’s desperate attempts to navigate through the crowd and ensure the group’s safety highlights the extreme lack of preparation and protection in place.
아니 ㅅㅂ 공항질서는 어디간거임?? 사진 몇장 보다 사람의 안전이 더 중요한거 아닌가요? pic.twitter.com/mGoTOQLCih
— 웈히 (@kooxzzx) October 9, 2023
CUBE Entertainment, the company managing (G)I-DLE, is now facing fierce criticism from fans worldwide. Accusations of not providing adequate security, especially considering the group’s skyrocketing fame in China, have flooded the internet. The event underscores a disconcerting trend within the industry: entertainment companies underestimating the intensity of fan encounters and not deploying enough security measures.
This is (G)I-DLE’s arrival in China at the airport.
How can a company be so reckless and let something like that happen with their artist while knowing their level of fame in the country, @cubeunited?! Where is the safety? DO BETTER! pic.twitter.com/6hT34PdPYi
— (G)I-DLE Charts (@idlecharts) October 9, 2023
This is fckass cubes fault. They have NEVER given Idle a proper team to travel with just like last time when Miyeon got lost on the airport and the girls had to pull their own luggage around alone https://t.co/g2U34PinN3
— Nicky (@antiheroidle) October 9, 2023
why is CUBE still underestimate GIDLE popularity. give my girls more security ! https://t.co/jG8VDtBgbv
— mil⁷ (@joontidie) October 9, 2023
However, the blame isn’t solely on the management company. Many devoted fans have expressed their disappointment and frustration with the behavior of the mob at the airport. In their pursuit of a glimpse or a moment with their beloved idols, these fans showcased a blatant disregard for the group’s safety and comfort. The videos display a distressingly claustrophobic scene, with the members appearing overwhelmed and frightened.
Okay what is wrong with all these people????? Give them some space at least pic.twitter.com/Wll3veOvwg
— Nebogamer (@Gidleorb) October 9, 2023
Neverlands, please don’t go to the airport to see IDLE ever again. It’s not safe for anyone involved.
The girls’ comfort and safety is more important than your need to have a fleeting interaction with them.
— (G)I-DLE MALAYSIA FANBASE (@GIDLEMY_138910) October 9, 2023
The (G)I-DLE incident acts as a poignant reminder of the dire need for boundaries within the fandom culture. While it’s heartwarming to witness the deep bond and love fans share for their idols, it’s essential to remember that these stars, despite their larger-than-life personas, are human beings deserving of respect and personal space.
In the past, many K-Pop idols have spoken about the anxieties they experience due to such mobbing incidents. The psychological impact of being surrounded, touched, and sometimes even grabbed by strangers can be traumatizing. While fans’ intentions might be driven by love and excitement, the end result can sometimes be harmful.
| CUBE Entertainment
The K-Pop industry is built on the symbiotic relationship between artists and fans. For the genre to thrive, both parties must recognize and respect each other’s boundaries. Entertainment companies must prioritize the safety of their artists by providing adequate security, especially in public spaces known for intense fan interactions, like airports. Similarly, fans need to collectively uphold a code of conduct that ensures their interactions with idols are respectful and non-threatening.
“How can a company be so reckless…”