Gloomy Recent Appearance
Recently, a topic titled “Hearts2Hearts changed appearance after 1 week: No smile, Just bow and Running away” was published on the Korean forum theqoo, drawing keen attention.
The topic in question attached a video published by media outlet Newsens, showing the SM girl group’s latest appearance at the airport. Through the video, all members can be seen with a rather gloomy atmosphere, a complete contrast to their previous airport appearances.
Netizens inferred the change in mood to stem from Hearts2Hearts’ recent airport controversy, where a man shouted profanities at the girl group after their fans gathered in chaos at the airport, severely impacting fellow passengers. They also left comments approving of the changed appearance with no fans gathered, such as, “It’s better that they walked quickly so as not to disrupt other passengers” and “All celebrities and idols should appear like this at the airport!! It’s been so long since I’ve seen a normal airport appearance, it feels so good. Pay attention to the other passengers!!!”
Past Airport Controversy
On March 29, Hearts2Hearts departed from Gimpo International Airport for an overseas schedule. However, their appearance sparked another round of airport disturbance controversy.
A large crowd of fans and reporters gathered to catch a glimpse of the group. Security personnel were deployed to protect the members from the overwhelming crowd.
As Hearts2Hearts headed toward the departure gate, a massive group followed them, taking photos and videos. At one point, a citizen shouted in panic, claiming their child almost got hurt in the chaos.
In one video, a security guard can be heard saying “Make way,” while a man angrily shouted and cursed, “We need to board too, you f***ers!” Still, fans refused to lower their cameras or clear the path. Despite the stressful situation, Hearts2Hearts tried to maintain their composure in front of flashing cameras.
Similar footage circulated on X (formerly Twitter), showing fans following NCT member Wish Sion into the duty-free zone at Incheon Airport. A security guard, visibly irritated, told people to move. One man responded, “Who do you think you are to yell at passengers like that? Anyone can shout too, you know.”
Public Reaction: “Just Ban Airport Fashion Shows Altogether”
Netizens responded harshly:
“These fans chasing idols to the airport, sticking cameras in their faces… it’s madness. Staff, journalists, fans—everyone’s out of control.”
“Let’s be honest, idols using departure halls to advertise sponsored outfits is just a nuisance.”
“If you want a sponsored fashion shoot, rent a space. Don’t hijack public airports.”
“I hope this gets publicized and changed. I’m just like, ‘Who do you think you are?’ I’ve got places to be too!”
On the other hand, there were some that defend the girl group, saying that rather than blaming the members who could not control the situation, the fans and the agency that aided them should be held accountable. One netizen commented, “A rookie group would not have been able to control the situation”.
The airport has long been considered a prime location for fashion brand exposure, with agencies and sponsors requesting press coverage to show off products worn by ambassadors. While most travelers dress casually for flights, celebrities often plan full airport fashion looks for these appearances.
This has led fans to consider airports as ideal places to spot their favorite stars up close. However, some even buy or sell personal information to track schedules, and reckless behavior such as blocking pathways or crowding idols has led to dangerous incidents.
In fact, fans who obsessively follow stars at airports are often labeled as “sasaengs”—a term for invasive, obsessive fans.
Last year, Byun Woo-seok actor was heavily criticized for excessive “VIP-style” airport security. In another case, a fan was violently pushed by a bodyguard from an idol group. Yet, nothing seems to have changed.
As a solution to this problem, some have suggested the introduction of a separate entrance for celebrities called the “fast track,” but there is considerable public opposition to giving special treatment to celebrities. Incheon Airport attempted to charge a fee for separate entrances for celebrities after the controversy over excessive security for Byun Woo-seok arose in July of last year , but withdrew the plan after considering public opinion.
