(Controversy) Sexual harassment allegations at Red Velvet ‘Irene’s’ fan signing event, controversy spreads.

                         Photo=Irene Instagram

Recently, allegations have surfaced that a staff member allegedly sexually harassed a fan at a fan signing event for Red Velvet member Irene, sparking controversy. Inappropriate physical contact at the fan signing event has become an issue, and dissatisfaction and anxiety are rising among fans. 

On the 9th, a post from a netizen was uploaded to the online community and SNS platform ‘X’, claiming that a security guard sexually harassed a fan at a Red Velvet fan signing event. Author A conveyed the case of victim B, stating, “I’ve experienced being treated like less than a human while being a Red Velvet fan, but this incident was truly shocking.”

According to A’s explanation, staff at the fan signing event checked fans to see if they had hidden recorders or devices. During this process, they instructed fans to “lift their arms above the elbows” or “jump”, and attempted direct physical contact.

In particular, B claims that after the staff asked, “Can I touch your body?” they touched the area below the clavicle and above the underwear. Although they did not directly touch the chest, A explained that this process was an action that inevitably made fans uncomfortable.

A expressed anger, saying, “Are fans who attend fan signing events treated like criminals?” and criticized, “I can’t understand why such a physical examination is necessary at a place where I’ve simply gone to have a conversation with a member,” tagging Red Velvet’s official accounts and SM Entertainment to urge for a resolution.

Another fan, C, also revealed a similar incident on the same day through SNS. C reported, “I was wearing a padded jacket, and the staff said, ‘I need to touch for a moment,’ and touched my arms, armpits, and sides.” Fans who experienced such actions are showing reactions beyond discomfort, even feeling fear.

C expressed, “While attending fan signing events, I’ve already faced many restrictions,” and lamented, “I’ve overlooked regulations such as banning photo card signing, shooting, and recording, but if I have to endure physical contact, I don’t think I can attend fan signing events anymore.”

This controversy is spreading beyond the issue at the fan signing site to a broader question about fan culture. Fans are expressing dissatisfaction, saying, “If the members’ safety is such a concern, shouldn’t they not be holding fan signing events at all?”

A raised his voice, saying, “They’ve put all sorts of restrictions, including restricting shooting, recording, and even using the restroom, and now they’re moving to touching fans’ bodies,” urging that definite measures should be taken to ensure such actions don’t repeat.

In response, SM Entertainment has not yet officially stated a position. However, fans are continuing to criticize, stating that the company’s neglect and indifference are escalating the situation.

An entertainment industry expert pointed out, “Touchpoints between fans and artists are created through events like fan signings, but when situations arise that make fans uncomfortable and threatened, it can lead to losing the fans’ trust.”

Furthermore, “While the need for strengthened security can be understood, such measures should be implemented cautiously, as excessive physical contact could likely lead to sexual harassment controversies.”

This incident raises critical questions about how fan culture in the entertainment industry should be operated and improved. Events like fan signings are meant to bring joy to fans. However, if incidents where fans feel discomfort and threats continue to occur as in this case, such events will inevitably have a negative impact on both fans and artists.

Fans are demanding an official apology and solution to prevent recurrence, and SM Entertainment’s response is likely to determine the course of the controversy going forward.