Male K-pop idols are experiencing a troubling surge in sexual harassment incidents, with unwanted physical contact and assault becoming increasingly common during fan interactions. The latest incident has prompted widespread concern among fans and entertainment agencies about the safety of performers during public events.
YOUNITE member Eunho became the victim of an attempted sexual assault on August 17 during the 18th Korean Culture Day celebration in São Paulo, Brazil. As the group was greeting fans while departing the venue, an unidentified individual suddenly approached Eunho and attempted to kiss him without his consent. The unexpected assault caught both the idol and his security team completely off-guard, leaving them unable to prevent the initial contact.
The startled performer quickly pushed the assailant away, and his shocked facial expression was captured on video by onlookers. Footage of the disturbing incident rapidly spread across social media platforms and online fan communities, triggering an immediate outcry from supporters who demanded stronger protective measures for idols during public appearances.
Brand New Music, YOUNITE's management agency, responded swiftly to the incident by issuing an official statement on their social media accounts. The company declared, "An artist's safety was threatened by the excessive approach of some fans while leaving the venue after a recent performance. We ask for your cooperation in maintaining a safe distance during scheduled events to ensure the safety of both artists and fans. We also ask for your active support in fostering a healthy fan culture."
This disturbing incident represents part of a larger pattern of sexual harassment targeting male K-pop performers. In June of the previous year, BTS member Jin experienced a similar assault during a large-scale fan event at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul. The event, which celebrated Jin's return from mandatory military service, involved the idol hugging approximately 1,000 fans in a meet-and-greet format.
During Jin's fan event, a Japanese woman deliberately and forcibly kissed the performer without his consent. Rather than showing remorse for the assault, the perpetrator later boasted about her actions on social media platforms, writing, "My lips touched his neck. His skin was very soft." Her public celebration of the sexual assault sparked immediate and widespread criticism from fans and the general public alike.
The public backlash against Jin's attacker was swift and comprehensive. Outraged citizens filed a formal petition through South Korea's National Petition System, demanding legal punishment for the individual responsible for the sexual assault. The petition gained significant support and prompted law enforcement action.
South Korean police took the matter seriously and sought international cooperation through Interpol to identify and prosecute the perpetrator. After a seven-month investigation involving cross-border law enforcement collaboration, authorities successfully identified a Japanese woman in her 50s as the suspect. She was subsequently booked on sexual harassment charges, marking a significant step in holding such perpetrators accountable for their actions.
These recurring incidents have intensified calls from fans, industry professionals, and legal experts for stronger safety protocols and more comprehensive legal measures. Many argue that such behaviors represent clear cases of sexual harassment and assault rather than harmless expressions of fan enthusiasm. The entertainment industry is now grappling with how to balance accessibility between idols and fans while ensuring performer safety and dignity.
The growing frequency of these incidents has highlighted the need for better security measures at fan events and clearer legal consequences for those who cross boundaries with performers. Industry observers note that the problem extends beyond individual cases and reflects broader issues of consent and respect in fan culture that must be addressed systematically.
