EXO and NCT Controversy Over Excessive Security for 'Assault/Sexual Harassment'

《Revival of Junho Yoon》

Reporter Yoon Joon-ho of TenAsia introduces trends in the entertainment industry. From the perspective of the MZ generation, let's look back at what the needs of viewers have become, and what made them popular or uncomfortable with the public.

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Bodyguards' 'overprotectiveness' towards famous idols became controversial. There are guidelines, but as a large number of people gather, unexpected situations happen. In this process, they often leave abnormal issues such as hurting people or searching their bodies for sanctions reasons.

Group NCT Dream visited Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 on the 12th. for an overseas schedule. Before leaving the country, many fans gathered to see NCT Dream. NCT Dream went through the departure procedures while relying on bodyguards.

At the time, the bodyguard protecting NCT Dream clashed with a female fan. The female fan suffered a broken rib and a 5-week total wound. The Incheon International Airport Police Department booked the bodyguard without detention and handed it over to the prosecution.

The bodyguard's radical security method has often caused controversy. For the clear purpose of protecting someone, someone else had to be humiliated or physically assaulted. The purpose is right, but the method is wrong.

There was also a controversy over 'excessive security' related to EXO, a group under the same SM Entertainment company. It was at EXO's concert in 2016. The bodyguards searched the bodies of fans who came to the concert, and there were a series of revelations that they felt they had been 'sexually harassed'.

In particular, one fan insisted, "The security guard told me that I had to touch my chest because he might come in with a camera hidden in my chest." SM said, “Compared to other artists, EXO has a younger fandom, so management is more difficult.” However, no follow-up measures have been announced.

There are many reasons to have bodyguards. The removal of variables at the site where an unspecified number of people gather, banning access to sasaeng fans, and speedy progress of schedules, etc. However, a problem arose during the intense security process. A solution is needed to prevent a recurrence.

The problem is that no one can suggest a proper improvement plan. In the case of Enter, it is only the employer's fault. Controversy doesn't have to spread to the artist. Security companies have clear guidelines, but they are not paying attention to the ongoing controversy over 'excessive security'. Even if there is a problem, nothing will change.

An entertainment industry insider explained, "Even if there is a controversy over excessive security, we will not change the security company or issue any disciplinary action. There are clear guidelines. However, it is a crowded situation, so there is an atmosphere of understanding (the actions of the security guards)."

It is time for a change in the consciousness of the domestic security industry that protects celebrities and a voice for thorough prevention of recurrence. A performance official said, "The duty of security is not simply to protect celebrities and block fans and celebrities, but to be responsible for the safety of many people gathered at the event." You have to look at it as having the wrong way of thinking about it,” he said.

Reporter Yoon Jun-ho, Ten Asia delo410@tenasia.co.kr