Most K-pop fans are now very disappointed by the bodyguards of the idols. What’s their job? Is it to protect them or to physically fight with the fans? It’s questionable to many. The speculation became a hot topic following BoyNextDoor, sparking controversy because of the actions of its bodyguards. What happened?
Concerning BoyNextDoor, it’s a Kpop boy group that made its debut in May this year. To the newbies, the six members are named Sungho, Riwoo, Jaehyun, Taesan, Leehan, and Woonhak. It is signed to the KOZ Entertainment. In such a short time, the band has achieved a lot of prominence with a few releases. Some are – One and Only, Serenade, But I Like You, etc.
This time, BoyNextDoor went viral not for its songs but for its security, slamming a fan into the ground. Wait, what? Yes! Following the clips of the incident going viral on the internet, fans have been questioning – what’s the job of the bodyguards? Some even came up and had one obvious question – “What if the fan fell on her head and died?” Even the ones present there were shocked by the action.
BoyNextDoor Bodyguards Made People Question Their Jobs
It was on 18 December 2023 when the clips of the incident were released online. That first post garnered more than 3.5 million views so far, surprising most of the Kpop fans. On the other hand, the ones who missed out are looking for the case, typing the title- “Violence by an idol security guard.”
Concerning the clips, the BoyNextDoor was surrounded by its fans and security. Most of them were busy clicking pictures. The video showcased one female fan who seemed to be walking backward but became quite close. In the following moment, the bodyguard violently pushed her onto the floor. It was indeed a very harsh way to safeguard the idols.
The job of the security is to protect their owners. It’s the same, irrespective of the field. Similarly, because of the popularity and craze of these Kpop idols, the agency usually appoints them bodyguards. Many idols even received death threats from saesangs. These are the reasons why bodyguards are appointed.
To be more particular about the bodyguards of these idols, they are both unarmed or armed. They are hired to protect the idols from danger and unforeseen threats, as mentioned already. They make sure that there lies a proper, safe distance between the fans and idols, especially when they are in public.
But what did BoyNextDoor’s security do? His action sparked controversy. The disappointed Kpop fans started a discussion on different social media platforms. One fan commented, “Isn’t that too rough? Is it okay for security guards to exercise violence under the pretext of protecting the idols?” Another person wrote, “That’s just violence and venting out.” Some even shared that the fan was not even too close to the Kpop group, and the action was harsh enough, citing it to be an “assault.”
The discussion didn’t stop there because fans got divided. To be more precise, some people also defended and shared something opposite.
According to them, the bodyguards just did their job, protecting the BoyNextDoor. One penned, “These days, Sasaeng fans cross the line a lot, so security guards are likely super sensitive.” Some shared their opinion, stating that the fan “deserved it” as she went too close to the group, which was unnecessary and inappropriate.
Following the incident, on 19 December, BoyNextDoor’s agency, KOZ Entertainment, apologized to everyone by relearning an official statement. It said, “We apologize to the fans for the problem caused by the inappropriate actions of a bodyguard who was performing security duties for BOYNEXTDOOR on December 16 at the Qingdao airport.”
The company also sought information about the fan’s physical and mental health. It further added- that particular security personnel will not be assigned in the future.
What do you think? Were the lines not crossed?
