History of K-Pop: Sasaeng Fans

K-Pop has taken the world by storm with its passionate fan base across the globe. However, this fandom has a dark side; an obsession that has led some fans to become stalkers of their favorite idols. The behavior of these so-called "sasaeng fans'' has become a growing concern, and it's time to take a closer look. In this month's History of K-Pop, we'll explore the eerie world of K-Pop sasaeng fans and the dangers they pose to both their idols and themselves. 

What is a Sasaeng Fan? 

“Sasaeng Fan (사생팬)” is a South Korean slang term for obsessive fans who invade the privacy of Korean idols, actors, or any public figure. The word derives from a Korean word (sa for “private” and saeng for “life”) and was used to describe extreme fans who violate the privacy of celebrities' lives to be recognized by their idols.     

Sasaeng fans go to great lengths to get closer to their favorite K-Pop stars. These fans are known for their intrusive and often dangerous behavior, which includes stalking, breaking into their favorite idols' homes, and even stealing personal belongings.

The term "sasaeng fan" was first coined during the rise of the Hallyu wave in the 2000s. However, this type of fan behavior has been around since the early days of K-Pop in the ‘90s and has only gotten worse with the digital era. 

Throughout the '90s and early 2000s, fans of K-Pop idols would camp outside their dorms and follow them around on their personal and work schedules. Initially, these actions did not raise any concerns. However, during the second generation of K-Pop, more fans began to cross idols' boundaries and put them in danger. Many fans started to chase idols around via taxi service, causing traffic accidents. Some even went so far as to place surveillance cameras outside of idols' dorms and residencies and engage in other intrusive and concerning behaviors.  

The Pursuit of Information

Stalking idols requires obtaining personal information through illegal means such as hacking, industry insiders, and extreme stalking. In the early days of K-Pop, management staff would inform fans about the whereabouts of their favorite groups and even encourage fans to follow them, build their fandom, and promote their artists. This made it easy for fans to talk to their idols.

In today's world, only those who have the financial resources can gain access to information. This exclusive community includes individuals who work in mobile phone companies, airports, and other industries and sell idol information in exchange for money. Sasaengs, who are often from wealthy backgrounds, have the financial means to indulge in their obsession and frequently follow their idols overseas.

The Alarming Evolution of Sasaeng Behavior

The behavior of sasaengs has worsened over the years. It began with fans camping outside idol dorms or hotels but has escalated to include attempted kidnappings, death threats, and cornering idols in vulnerable situations such as in the bathroom or on a flight.

In 2009, a sasaeng posted a disturbing letter dedicated to 2PM's Taecyeon. The letter was written using menstrual blood and sprinkled with pubic hair. To prove her genuineness after facing disbelief from netizens, the fan later posted a picture of her bloody menstrual pad. Boy Group VIXX was temporarily kidnapped when an imposter began to drive the van with VIXX inside to meet the president of Kazakhstan’s daughter. VIXX’s manager was able to catch up to the boys but was unable to access them until after the private fan meeting was over.

Impact on K-Pop Idols

The aggressive behavior from sasaengs is having a significant impact on the well-being of idols. These individuals put idols in unfair and vulnerable situations, exposing them to danger. It is common to see sasaengs calling idols during live online sessions to confirm their numbers, which can be distressing for the idols. Despite changing their numbers, idols continue to receive unwanted phone calls and texts from sasaengs, leading to frustration and anxiety.

It is important to note that sasaengs are not the only individuals who seek to acquire information about idols. In addition to sasaengs, there is another group known as anti-fans who actively gather information with the intent to attack and harass idols, particularly those who pose a threat to their group’s popularity or are rumored to be involved in romantic relationships.

In 2006, during a meet and greet, TVXQ’s Yunho was rushed to the hospital after drinking a bottle of orange juice mixed with super glue given to him by an anti-fan pretending to be a fan. Thankfully, he was able to make a full recovery but has developed a fear of orange juice from that incident.

Industry Responses and Legal Action

In South Korea, there is a concerning issue with sasaengs and anti-fans who engage in stalking behaviors without fear of legal consequences. The lack of laws and regulations on stalking has resulted in a lack of accountability and repercussions for these individuals. This means that they can freely pursue their actions, which not only invade the privacy of their targets but also pose a serious threat to their safety and well-being. It is crucial that the South Korean government takes action to address this issue and establish laws that protect citizens from stalking behaviors. 

In 2011, Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon was snatched off stage while performing at a show by a sasaeng fan. Thankfully, the staff and the other members came to the aid and were able to release Taeyeon from the fan. No charges were filed against the fan for attempted kidnapping because he was deemed to be a “passionate fan,” which enraged many fans and netizens. It was assumed that Taeyeon’s management company SM Entertainment did not want any negative press coming from this incident for going after a fan. The K-Pop industry values fans to the point that many can get away with such sasaeng behavior.

In Conclusion

Sasaeng fans are individuals who are known to go to extreme lengths to gain the attention of their favorite idols, which often includes stalking and invading their privacy. These fans can pose a serious threat not only to the idols but also to the general public. Therefore, it is important to have strict policies and clauses in place that regulate the behavior of sasaeng fans and protect the privacy of idols and citizens alike. These policies should include measures such as restraining orders, increased security, and legal consequences for those who engage in stalking or harassment. It is crucial to take these actions to prevent any potential harm to both the idols and their fans.

Edited by Vivian N.