Can we use the word “fan” for such people?
If you’ve ever liked a star even once, you might have heard about “sasaeng fans”, who relentlessly chase after the private lives of celebrities. Lately, singers have been constantly complaining about the misdeeds of extreme sasaeng fans.
1. BTS V
“World star” BTS could not escape from sasaeng fans, either. Recently, it was reported that a woman in her 20s who tried to approach V’s house was handed over to the prosecution.
According to the Seoul Gangnam Police Station, on Nov 8th, A, a woman in her 20s, was sent to the prosecution without detention on charges of violating the Stalking Punishment Act and housebreaking. A had been waiting in front of V’s residence on Oct 26th, tried to strike up a conversation by following him into the elevator and even handed over a marriage registration form, revealing her acts of stalking.
Afterwards, V reassured fans by leaving a brief message on the fan platform Weverse, saying, “It’s okay. Don’t worry.” However, in response to the misdeeds of sasaeng fans, BTS’s agency Big Hit Music took a firm stance, stating, “We are dealing with stalking crimes that infringe on artists’ private lives and threaten safety with a zero-tolerance policy.”
2. SEVENTEEN Hoshi
SEVENTEEN Hoshi held a live broadcast on the fan platform Weverse on Nov 9th. However, Hoshi could not hide his anger at the sasaeng fan who called during the broadcast.
He warned, “If you call, I won’t do a live broadcast. Don’t call. It’s really annoying to respond. Even if you call with an unknown number, I can still sue you.”
He added, “I’m trying to spend a good time with Carats (official fandom). Why do you keep bothering me? Do you want to confirm if you have the right number? It’s impolite. If you call during a live broadcast, I will reveal your number. Stop calling.”
Subsequently, SEVENTEEN’s agency Pledis Entertainment announced, “If there are acts that violate artists’ privacy and infringe on personal rights, you will be excluded from SEVENTEEN-related fan activities without prior warning. We plan to take legal action through evidence collection using CCTV footage and monitoring.”
3. Jung Dong-won
Jung Dong-won, a student singer who gained much attention through TV Chosun’s “Mr. Trot”, also revealed that he is suffering damage due to sasaeng fans.
On Nov 27th, Jung Dong-won’s agency ShowPLAY Entertainment posted a notice on the official fancafe, announcing that they would take legal action against sasaeng fans. The agency said, “We have confirmed acts of invading Jung Dong-won’s privacy, such as wandering around his practice room or near his home and attempting to greet him.”
They added, “We will blacklist without prior notice and take strong legal action. We want to inform you that we will deal with acts that invade the artist’s privacy without any tolerance.”
Despite the stern warnings and actions promised by stars and their agencies, the damages caused by sasaeng fans persist. The term “sasaeng fan” exists, but can we really use the word “fan” for these individuals? Those who interfere with and cause pain to the private lives of stars indiscriminately are not fans.
Source: Wikitree
