K-pop band NCT stops accepting gifts from obsessive fans; warns against altering flight tickets and making excessive physical contact: ‘Stop chasing idols’

NCT warns fans over invasion of privacy

For days, fans have been crowding around NCT members during arrivals and departures, causing trouble not just for the artists but for other passengers too. Fans have repeatedly tried to touch the members, talk to them, hand over gifts or letters, and snap photos or videos everywhere, even inside security and immigration areas. The agency, likely after a warning from airport authorities over safety and security risks, had to issue an official statement, even threatening legal action if this didn’t stop immediately. SM Entertainment wrote, “During domestic and international entry and exit, order is being disrupted due to crowds, and as a result, both artists and fans, as well as other airport users, are experiencing ongoing inconvenience.” They added, “Due to excessive physical contact, attempts at conversation, delivering gifts and letters, and indiscriminate filming in all security areas of the airport (immigration inspection area, security checkpoint, baggage claim, duty-free, lounge, onboard, etc.), please exercise restraint as it could lead to safety accidents.” (Via Chosun Biz)

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The problem goes beyond just crowding airports some fans have crossed the line by sneaking into the artists’ flight details and booking seats near them. “Cases of approaching the artists’ seats aboard have happened repeatedly, causing serious invasion of their privacy. Therefore, after this notice, delivering letters and gifts at the airport and on board is not allowed, and we ask for your understanding,” the agency said. There have also been reports of sasaeng fans using the artists’ private info to change or cancel their flight seats, causing major disruptions to the members’ overseas schedules. The agency warned that this is no mere mistake by overenthusiastic fans but a crime. SM Entertainment made it clear these actions could lead to legal trouble and claims for damages. “We emphasise that during all domestic and international entry and exit, please refrain from visiting airports or taking the same flights using information obtained by improper means.”

SM also asked fans to stop showing up at unofficial schedules or private places, especially places where the artists spend time, such as their dorms, hotels, or private events. These places are personal and essential for the members to rest and live their daily lives. “We kindly ask that you avoid visiting or accessing these areas to protect the artists’ privacy. During overseas schedules, please refrain from waiting around the hotel where the artists are staying and from photographing private events and spaces.” Lastly, blocking or following the artists’ vehicles is another big problem. It makes moving around difficult and puts everyone’s safety at risk. The agency asks fans to think twice before doing anything that could cause danger to the members, other fans, or bystanders.

Earlier, some NCT members spoke out about the damage caused by stalkers. SM Entertainment even filed a complaint against a fan who pretended to be a delivery person to get private information about the members. NCT is not the only victim of such sasaeng culture; earlier, BTS’s agency HYBE also charged insiders who traded the members’ military information and a flight attendant who leaked their overseas schedules and hotel details.