AKP [Op-Ed]: Airports are not Concert Venues

[goshipgurl.livejournal.com]

Ever since JYJ‘s big sasaeng scandal in March of this year, most of the dialogue about unacceptable fan behavior towards idols have been focused on sasaengs. Stars like Jang Geun Suk, who is usually known for being very gracious toward his fans, have come out saying that they don’t consider sasaengs to be fans at all, and that their behavior is unacceptable. Before closing his Twitter account, Heechul of Super Junior told sasaeng fans to back off and stop following him around (blaming himself for not being understanding enough). Leeteuk, also of Super Junior, recently lamented that sasaengs had already gotten a hold of his brand-new phone number and were invading his privacy.

Sasaengs make an easy scapegoat. We complain about them, shame their behavior, and hold them up as examples of everything that’s wrong with the fandom. Unfortunately, this can prevent us from looking at other, less obvious things that even well-meaning fans do.


On August 8, 2012, Seungri updated his Japanese blog to talk about Big Bang‘s concert in Beijing. Aside from talking about the concert, he had this to say:

“Today, I want to say something to all our fans.

Yesterday too, a lot of fans came to the airport to welcome us. Around 4,000 people came. For that, I’m really happy and thank you. However, regrettably, there was a notice from China (government or authority) that if an accident happened, we will not be able to do our live concert.

I really wanted to meet all of you.. I wanted to greet all of you with smiles but thinking of your safety, which is important, I had to use the back door. So please understand. My feeling [of wanting to meet you] is same as yours!”

Other news sources reported that 7,000 fans actually came to greet Big Bang upon their arrival at the Beijing airport.

On August 8th, EXO-M and SHINee arrived in Korea, and were greeted by fans in the airport. Luhan was knocked down by crowds of fans, and could have gotten swept away in the crowd if Baekhyun hadn’t grabbed him.

On August 3rd, fans “completely paralyzed” traffic at Gimpo Airport when SHINee and TVXQ left for Japan.

On July 26th, B2ST went through an airport in Malaysia on their way back to Korea. Crowded by fans and security, Yoseob tripped and dropped his luggage, reportedly injuring his leg and elbow. Soon after, he posted on Twitter, taking the blame for the incident and even apologizing to fans who fell from getting pushed by other fans.

Back in May, EXO-M went through the Beijing Airport with no security other than their managers. Fans swarmed. A group of young women grabbed Luhan, keeping him from joining the rest of his group on the escalator. When he finally broke away from the fangirls and got on the elevator, the fans nearest to him continued to crowd him and shove cameras in his face. (In these videos, Kris is blonde and wearing a blue jacket. Luhan is also blonde, wearing a blue and white plaid shirt and a beige backpack)

Do these fancams make you uncomfortable? Imagine being in center of the mob and how much more uncomfortable that would be. Airports are not concert venues, they are public spaces that serve a specific function, and that function is not fan-service. While it’s somewhat customary to greet idols or see them off at the airport, things can get out of control when crowds get too big or too rowdy. I think the blame can be split two ways- it’s partially the fault of the fans, partially the fault of the idols’ companies.

As we saw with EXO-M’s incident in May, a security team is absolutely necessary for top idols. Can you imagine what would have happened if Yoseob had dropped his luggage without the protection of security to guard him while he pulled himself together?

However, even so, a security team isn’t always enough. Companies need to take a cue from Big Bang, and coordinate with airports to use alternate entrances and exits when the crowds could be dangerous. A back exit could have easily saved EXO-M from the chaos that happened in May. This could also prevent incidents like what happened in March 2010, when Super Junior was rushed by fans in the Noi Bai Airport in Vietnam- some fans tried to protect the band by creating a human barrier between Super Junior and the fans pressing in on them.



While many fans feel protective of their idols, no fan should have to put themselves in danger for idols. Some other pictures and videos from the same day showed that the protective fans’ efforts didn’t solve the problem- the band was still crowded and hassled in other parts of the airport. Companies need to take precautions to keep everyone- idols, fans, and other people in the airport- safe.

I can’t talk directly to the companies, but I can talk to my fellow fans. So, this is what I have to say:

We need to calm down.

I’m sure it’s exciting to see your favorite idol in person, but they are not at the airport to entertain you. There’s a reason most of the big stars don’t look at nor interact with fans in the airport- they don’t want to encourage more people to hassle them. They’re not getting paid for their time in the airport, so they shouldn’t be expected to entertain us. Can you imagine if people just ran up to you when you were off work and started demanding you do your job for them right at that moment for free? That’s essentially what fans are doing in the airport.

Personally, I’d encourage some of you to stay home from the airport- your idols won’t miss you. I know that when I travel, I’m certainly not in the mood to wave and smile at screaming strangers- I just want to find my gate and get where I’m going. If you really want to see your idols, go to official events such as signings, concerts, fan meets. These are all events where they’re actually getting paid to entertain you and you’re not invading their personal space.

I realize that some of you will still want to go see your idols at the airport. And obviously the companies also want the idols to be seen at the airport- otherwise they would do like Big Bang and send the idols through alternative routes away from fans. For those of you who still plan on greeting your idols at the airport, allow me to post a few guidelines, which should help toward keeping everyone safe and happy- or at least, not miserable.

1. Your safety comes first! This may sound selfish, but you don’t want to get trampled. If the crowd seems too big or too rowdy, go home and get out the way. You won’t be able to see your idols through a huge crowd- and if you do seem them, they’ll look miserable while getting shoved around. If you get close enough for your idol to see or remember you, they’re going to associate your face with having their personal space invaded and having a generally crappy day- is that how you want to be remembered? On a related note, remember that you are not security personnel and should not have to be a body guard for your idols. Your efforts to protect them against a large crowd won’t accomplish anything, and you could get hurt in the process. Since idols apologize for every bad thing that happens around them, you can bet your idols are going to feel personally responsible if you or anyone else get hurt.

2. Don’t hand idols gifts. A carry-on is enough of a pain to deal with in a busy airport and they probably don’t want to be weighed down by more stuff. Even if they don’t have a carry on, they probably don’t want to get stuck carrying stuff around with them- even a card or a note can be annoying to deal with. If you hand them a bag, box, or envelope, they won’t know what’s inside, which makes going through security even more stressful. If you want to give them gifts, go to a signing or fan meeting, or mail the gifts to them.

3. No flash photography. Camera flashes are disorienting and can trigger headaches and migraines (or worse), especially when there’s lots of them coming from all sides at a close range and the person being photographed is already tired. If you must take photos, turn off the flash. Chances are, the press will have better high quality photos online within a day or so anyway, so there’s no real reason to worry about getting good pictures.

4. No touching! You wouldn’t want a stranger touching you without permission- likewise, your idols don’t want you (a stranger) to touch them. Getting touched by a strangers is, at best, creepy and gross but it can also be scary or humiliating. If you want to touch your idols, go to a handshake or hug event.

5. Don’t ask for autographs (or photos, or hugs, etc). The idols have to get from point A to point B in a set amount of time, and they don’t have time to stop and do stuff for you. I doubt that they want to ignore or turn down their fans. By asking them to do stuff for you, you are putting them in a position where they have to turn you down. It’s annoying at the very least, but it can also make them feel bad for not being able to do something for you.

6. If you really feel it’s necessary, cheering and holding signs is okay. Just don’t get carried away. There are a lot of other people in the airport trying to go about their own business- noisy fans taking up lots of space and ignoring the people around them make things that much more difficult. If you’re holding up a sign, try not to block the views of people standing behind you. If someone’s trying to get through the crowd, let them through. Don’t flail, you might hurt someone. Don’t scream, it’s obnoxious, and can be painful for those around you. Common courtesy, folks.

Bad behavior in airports can result in injuries to the idols, fans, and innocent bystanders who just happen to be in the airport at the time. Like Seungri said, it could even lead to cancelled events. I know you’re excited, but think about how your actions affect people and don’t contribute to the problem.

There are going to be other fans at the airport who probably mean well, but do things they shouldn’t. Don’t let them get to you; just keep being awesome and civil and not making your idols’ lives miserable. If we actually care about the idols, then we need to respect their personal space and try not to burden them. If we’re causing unnecessary trouble for our idols, how are we any better than anti-fans?


sources:
akp
krisbrows on youtube
myb2stmoment on youtube
1fave2ne1 on youtube
LadyBunnies on youtube

Comments

[somacomatose.livejournal.com]

god, screaming fangirls in a small space. that's some scary shit

[sweetemerald513.livejournal.com]

oh god FUCKING THIS to airport security. Like seriously. SERIOUSLY.

[a-cheshire-grin.livejournal.com]

I think security in general is very lax in Korea! -.-''

[martha-sal.livejournal.com]

It's really scary how these "fans" don't seem to consider idols human beings... As if idols should be there to entertain them at every possible moment because their lives are so boring.

[hisjulliet.livejournal.com]

Whoever wrote this article diserves an A+. They addressed all the issues that fans shouldn't do at airports and provided examples with fancams that show the extreme situations fans put their idols and other innocent people into.

Hopefully this article get attention in SK and changes are made. More security to start.

[martha-sal.livejournal.com]

This is really disturbing, especially the video when luhan was knocked down by the fans... it's scary. This is a great article btw. and I love what Seungri said and I can't even imagine how burdensome it can get.

[a-cheshire-grin.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad that Baekhyun was there to help Luhan, because I don't even want to imagine would could have happened...! :/

[a-cheshire-grin.livejournal.com]

One of the reasons why I could never ever be an idol: I would always throw a fit when I'm surrounded by such a crowd of people (I'm claustrophobic).

Those fancams are awful. I was so angry while watching them, because seriously...GIVE THIS PEOPLE SOME SPACE! I'm so glad that Baekhyun was there, because I don't even want to imagine what could have happened to Luhan, if the crowd really got him! :/


It's funny how so many fans are always talking about how much they respect their idols and stuff, but most of them don't even have the decency to respect the personal space of their idols.

[in-noctem.livejournal.com]

Oh god that Exo video pissed me off so bad, and I don't think putting all the blame on security for "not doing a good job" is fair either. The fans are batshit crazy and the only way to stop them is to simply not allow huge groups to gather.

And I think Chanyeol would have fallen down as well if he wasn't as tall as he was. He looked like he was being squashed.

[in-noctem.livejournal.com]

"If you get close enough for your idol to see or remember you, they’re going to associate your face with having their personal space invaded and having a generally crappy day- is that how you want to be remembered?"

SERIOUSLY. Why are fans such dumbasses and can't get this fact through their heads?

[chichi89.livejournal.com]

I don't understand why some fans (a lot of them, actually) do this. This is really scary. To shove cameras in their faces, to mob them, to shout - is this the way to express their love? Who are they kidding, that's just plain wrong.

Some more examples

[chichi89.livejournal.com]

Bless the bodyguards ~

Re: Some more examples

[lovelyxbeauty.livejournal.com]

Holy crap :O the sea of people in that second video o_O

[tiggie0307.livejournal.com]

This should be sent and translated for every fan website so all can read. Title is perfect in every possible way.

[yolleh.livejournal.com]

It's preaching to the choir tbh.
The cray ones, the ones who really need to take note of this are the ones that won't pay attention to this.

[lovelyxbeauty.livejournal.com]

I read this earlier, I thought it was a good read, I like how it blames both the fans and the management. But even with security fans can still be pushy, like here

[baboboy.livejournal.com]

damn that's scary

[katzsong.livejournal.com]

damn, I wouldn't trade my life for them. I wouldn't be nice if I was pushed around like that.
I admire Big Bang's management for putting the safety of idol and their fans first (thanks to the strict rule from the China government). I think rules or law are necessary. It's kinda clear that the warning from China government makes YG considering an alternative route. If similar rules/warning comes from other authority (other airports or such), it could "forced" the management company, and also give them legit excuse, to consider alternatives route as well, to avoid incidences like the one above.
Though if such a notice exist, why did the Luhan incidences in Beijing airports exist? Shouldn't SME got the same warning?

[mintchoc.livejournal.com]

Not sure, but maybe SME didn't get a notice about EXO-M because they are a pretty new rookie group and thus not as well known, despite the obvious fact that any group from one of the Big Three companies is bound to be popular. Perhaps the Chinese government just didn't anticipate such large crowds gathering or didn't know/care about when they'd be in airports? (EXO-M in particular flies a lot, going to and from various recordings as well as between China and Korea.) On the other hand, there's no question that Big Bang would draw loads of fans to the airport, both on the basis of their fame/status and on the rarity of their visits to China. Everyone would have known well in advance that a big idol group would be arriving to do a concert and that precautions would have to be taken.

I agree, though; having an official warning from the government as a legit excuse would certainly make it easier for all parties involved to put safety first.

[honeyfunnybunny.livejournal.com]

What I hate the most is that most companies make it public which dates they'll be flying etc, just to get more press with the fans showing up. I honestly don't get wtf is going through their mind when they send their artists through a sea of crazy fans like that with little to no security. It's not like they experience it for the first time, it always happen, why won't they learn.

Take notes from the running man cast, they had 10+ soldiers escorting them at the airport in beijing even when there weren't any fans. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

And what pisses me off the most is that managers aren't meant to be acting as bodyguards, especially shinee's. that manager hit someone AGAIN in tokyo while walking alongside EXO.

but fans need to calm the fuck down. screaming your undying love and shoving cameras in their faces and touching them everywhere won't exactly make them love you.

[pon-pon-pink.livejournal.com]

do the companies really? i always was under the impression that most bands have fans working at travel agencies or just anyone at those agencies sells the information to fan cafes etc :/ didn't think the companies make it public themselves

[junhobrand.livejournal.com]

I really can't stand fan airport behavior...I'm not cricizing them for going to the airport because I do that too when idols come to new york..It's their behavior i can't deal with... Do they really need to yell out members' names or be right in their faces or having their camera right at their nose.

Let them have space to move...you can be a foot away from them and still see them clearly and still can take pictures or fancams without invading their privacy...i mean when you're that close to them...what are you expecting to happen...its so scary

[endless-purple.livejournal.com]

I have to admit that I felt a bit guilty for going to the airport to see idols whenever they come to L.A. I only did it twice, but I made sure I had enough space for everyone w/o stepping on anyone's toes. I do agree that fan behavior at airports as pointed out has been getting out of hand, especially if someone gets hurt. D:

[endless-purple.livejournal.com]

Well written article! However...

"If you really want to see your idols, go to official events such as signings, concerts, fan meets. These are all events where they’re actually getting paid to entertain you and you’re not invading their personal space."

After reading this part it made me think how International fans don't get that opportunity that much other than the concert itself.

I know fan meets are usually in certain countries like Korea, Japan, Thailand, ect. Being on the International Fans' perspective, especially outside of Asia, I wonder if fan meetings were included during overseas activities, will it solve the problem of fans spotting idols at airports, hotels & even shopping areas and/or amusement parks?

I know there have been very little or no fan meeting opportunities with groups whenever they come to the U.S. at least. I know for example JYP had one for his own tour w/ 2AM as well as the Wonder Girls & 2PM in 2010, even if we had to pay extra (as in a lot but it was well worth it & during WG's & 2PM's meet & greet they had a table to place your gifts).

This year in L.A. at least we tried to have one for FT Island & CN Blue before the Stand Up concert and MBLAQ during KMF week, but all plans fell. :(

on a less serious note

[johnnyquest89.livejournal.com]

all this reminds me of

Re: on a less serious note

[t-domination.livejournal.com]

'UGH TOP GET OUT OF MY WAY'

[fiercediva.livejournal.com]

I have a problem with the article putting all of this on the fans. As said above, if the schedules of the artists were never made public to begin with, no one would know when these guys were due to fly anywhere. Obviously agencies are hoping for an airport turnout for bragging rights and photo ops, as shown by the care with which idols dress to be seen, but agencies seem too cheap to provide real security or bodyguards to protect the talent when reaction is greater than expected. Asking airport security, who are there to protect travelers from terrorism, not celebrities from lovesick fans, to pick up the slack is unfair and ridiculous. Asking a carried-away fan to keep the knowledge of her bias' whereabouts and give up a chance to see him in person, or to control herself when she does, is playing with fire. The last thing we would do in the U.S. entertainment industry is tell the world that Brad Pitt is on United 743 on Tuesday, or ask Justin Bieber to defend himself in Heathrow or O'Hare without a bouncer or two accompanying him everywhere.

Another elephant in the room is that there are obviously people privy to private info who are leaking it for bribes. Of course this happens with hotel staff and the like feeding tabloids leads for stories anywhere, but I don't know that many people in other countries who are able to get hold of private cell numbers and social security numbers. Looks like there are some internal controls and security procedures that need to be put into place to safeguard that data.

[shintotchi.livejournal.com]

+1

[freepureangel.livejournal.com]

Is fan behavior considerably different in Asia and North America?

I remember when Minho came to Vancouver right before the 2010 olympics, and I went to the airport to greet him and the rest of Dream Team. There weren't a lot of people there, maybe 100 at the most. While there was a lot of screaming when he came out, it wasn't as though we were pushing up right against all of them, screaming in their ears. We gave them a lot of space and Dream Team looked really happy to see so many international fans. Only when they started rolling camera, and asked us to move in a bit closer, then we got closer to Minho & the rest of Dream Team.

Most of the fans there to greet them were asian, btw.

But i'm just wondering what makes fan behaviour so violent in Asia, compared to my experience in Vancouver.

[endless-purple.livejournal.com]

From my observation, I know at LAX we do get our fair share of crowds with screaming (not as loud as the ones I've seen on the fan cams posted here), but the only one's I've seen that crosses the line were fans handing out gifts & letters (and it wasn't even that much) while an airport worker reached out to give Siwon a handshake when he walked by. I also remember during 2010's KMF how fans got autographs & pix w/ BEAST at the airport.

I have heard crazier encounters between fans & idols away from the airport here in the L.A area. O.O

Regardless, I totally understand that we get all very stoked about seeing our idols, but getting overly aggressive to the point of over crowding, unnecessary touching & groping and so on is just ridiculous! >

[swhyeon1991.livejournal.com]

.... The Beijing Airport ones were really horrid. Approving Going Crazy used as the bgm lol

[tsuyoi-hikari.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the song is so appropriate. XD

[cagallisakura.livejournal.com]

ugh I still remember that Angel Price concert when Taeyeon got dragged off the stage by that mentally ill guy. And then after that, she was swarmed at a China airport and she was so frightened :(

See, Leeteuk, this is why you don't encourage sasaeng behaviour. wtf was he even thinking.

[drownamydrown.livejournal.com]

He's a self important and selfish shit, that's why. I really doubt what comes out of his mouth matters to him as long as he is making some sort of noise that gets heard.

[captainmarvel.livejournal.com]

I've know a few people who try to justify going to an idol's hotel or going to the airport.
While I've done both of these in the past seeing the way fans react in the presence of an idol has turned me off of the idea of ever doing either again.
I've always chosen to observe from a far and seeing the way idols react to situations like these is enough to make me stop.

I know international fans feel that they don't get see their favorite idol/singer/actor/actress as often so they see no problem in mimicking the behavior of Korean fans.
But I'm pretty damn sure these artists don't enjoy having strangers touch them or make getting somewhere difficult.

Jaejoong recently spoke about fans following him and the rest of JYJ in different countries and he was not happy about it.
Not having a moment of privacy is what bothered him the most.

While security needs to be stepped up to protect celebrities, their companies and themselves do not broadcast departure and arrival times.
There should be no reason why fans access this information.

[ideservestars.livejournal.com]

well written article!! but, honestly I don't think fans are all to blame though. these companies don't hire ANY security and they publicise these events which should be private for these idols. fans do these crazy things because there are no boundaries and its made to be "acceptable." if companies don't take the first step to hire security to protect idols and fanclubs don't start putting a footdown and realizing that this isn't acceptable, nothing will change.

[asnindie.livejournal.com]

Fans need to really read this stuff and stop. What really cheeses me off is when I read on Tumblr about some psycho fangirl hounding down an idol to force him to take pics or whatever and when he's not please he's ungrateful. Stop what you're doing and look at yourself.

[xblackchristmas.livejournal.com]

i already gave my 2 cents on akp but main point is..

fans need to learn to not be selfish if they love their precious idols and give them fucking space!

[keithfan-sra.livejournal.com]

Applauds this article! The Exo M videos is scary. I remember getting separated from my family at King's Island and losing sight of them in the crowd and how scary it was. Yes, I was a child and I caught up quickly, but it was horrifying. I can't imagine being in their shoes trying to get thru that many people. If there was an anti fan in the crowd they could get close and do whatever they wanted.
Yea, idols definitely need better security in some airports but fans...you don't have to be all up in their breathing space.