AESPA Faces Harrowing Experience During Fan Event in Shanghai
AESPA recently traveled to China for a fan-signing event at KMSTATION in Shanghai. Unfortunately, their visit turned distressing, particularly for member Winter, who received death threats from overzealous fans known as sasaengs.
Unruly Behavior and Disturbing Incidents
Reports surfaced on social media, particularly on X, where a Korean fan shared the uncomfortable encounters AESPA experienced in China. The group was reportedly mobbed in a parking lot by aggressive fans, which led to a chaotic scene.
Footage from this disturbing incident revealed some fans shouting profanities and capturing images of Winter without her consent. One extreme comment that echoed through the crowd even included threats that left many unsettled.
This is why I didn’t want her to go to China, but now Minjung keeps following me around, taking pictures, and swearing at me. What the f*ck, don’t be a fanboy or anything, just let Minjung go back to Korea right now. Please, why does Minjung have to go through this? F*ck, don’t make Minjung do China schedules. #aespa @aespa #WINTER #WINTER @aespa_official @SMTOWNGLOBAL pic.twitter.com/283nM3XO0N
— ND CH (@NDCH1301) December 14, 2024
Authorities Struggle to Manage the Situation
As the incident escalated, a user on Nate Pann reported that Winter and AESPA’s hotel information had been leaked, resulting in a swarm of fans blocking the group’s vehicles. Bodyguards resorted to using umbrellas to shield the idols from the barrage of cameras being thrust into their space.
Dating Rumors and Backlash
Adding to the tension, Winter came under fire following rumors suggesting she was romantically linked to Jungwon from ENHYPEN. This speculation arose when witnesses claimed to have spotted the two exiting the same bar on a particular evening.
#ENHYPEN_JUNGWON #JUNGWON #WINTER #aespa pic.twitter.com/rVB9Bv13ld
— Kristyyoo (@jocelynhe6) December 11, 2024
Despite both agencies, SM Entertainment and Belift Lab, issuing statements to dismiss the rumors, the damage had been done. Jungwon himself also took to social media to personally deny allegations regarding both dating and smoking, yet the fallout persisted for Winter.
Fan Calls for Increased Protection
In light of these troubling events, AESPA’s fanbase—known as MYs—have voiced strong concerns urging the label to ensure Winter’s safety. Many fans are advocating for a halt to her assignments in China until more robust security measures can be established.
Chinese fans are so scary… Between crazy stalkers and crazy bullies, it’s so stressful when a group is going to China. Companies should definitely stop sending their artists to China or drastically improve their security & protection https://t.co/PmjUtyORka pic.twitter.com/mSPnY0mNRC
— Maï 🎀🐱ྀི || fuck SM – semi ia (@eyo_listen_up) December 14, 2024
With incidents like these raising awareness about the vulnerabilities faced by idols, fans and industry experts alike are calling for necessary changes. Many are shocked at the extent of harassment directed toward Winter and are questioning the lack of outrage over such serious matters.
SM is horrible at protecting their artists and allowing something like this to happen, but I’m also appalled at some people’s lack of outrage when this is one of the worse cases of harassment of an idol I have seen. Idk how this isn’t getting the same anger as sending wreathes https://t.co/qWhOpZEBPN
— A~ (@purrina4yu) December 14, 2024
This distressing situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by K-pop idols as they navigate fame and fan interactions. The hope now lies in a future where talent agencies prioritize the safety and well-being of their artists.
Leave a Reply