BTS's V Sparks Revival of 'Purple Line' Campaign to Ensure Safety at Airports

BTS member V has inspired fans to revive the 'Purple Line' campaign to reduce the risk of crowd-related incidents during celebrity airport schedules.

V recently expressed his concerns over disorderly fan behavior at airports and suggested the revival of the voluntary 'Purple Line' campaign. Through the fan community platform Weverse, he stated, "If order is maintained at the airport, I can put more thought into airport fashion and greet fans more stylishly." His comments reflect concerns about the discomfort caused by excessive fan interactions at airports, affecting both himself and others present.

The 'Purple Line' was initially created in 2018 by some fans to maintain order at airports. Fans used purple ribbons to secure a safe distance from the artists and organized BTS's movement paths to reduce congestion.

Following V's remarks, fans are rallying to restart the 'Purple Line.' They agree that maintaining order will prevent discomfort for the artists and believe that reactivating the 'Purple Line' will ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.

The arrival and departure of idols often lead to crowded and chaotic scenes at airports, causing inconvenience to regular travelers.

Efforts by agencies to ensure airport safety have sometimes been criticized as 'excessive security.' A notable incident occurred in June when the group Hearts2Hearts faced backlash for aggressive security measures during their departure to China. A woman was reportedly elbowed in the face and pushed by a security guard at Incheon International Airport, with the incident captured on video and shared widely on social media. The footage was also broadcast on JTBC's 'Incident Manager.'

In the same month, NCT WISH faced similar criticism for excessive security. A fan claimed that security personnel pushed her against a wall and hit her head, resulting in dizziness and nausea.

In response to the controversies, SM Entertainment promised to prevent recurrence, stating that the incidents involved restraining overly aggressive fans. However, public sentiment remained critical, with the injured woman reporting significant injuries and criticizing the security's handling.

The previous dissolution of the 'Purple Line' due to jealousy among fans adds to the regret. Some accused the 'Army Safety Corps,' who organized the line, of using it to get closer to BTS members. Despite this, many fans are now advocating for its revival, emphasizing the efforts made to maintain order.

Industry experts agree that fostering a culture of self-regulation among fans is the best solution. This would eliminate the need for artists to rush through airports, allowing them to maintain a safe distance while interacting with fans, ultimately enhancing the fan experience.