Male K-pop idols are increasingly becoming victims of sexual harassment, with incidents involving unwanted physical contact sparking growing concerns among fans and agencies.
YOUNITE member Eunho experienced an incident on Aug. 17 (local time) during an event for the 18th Korean Culture Day in Sao Paulo, Brazil. As the group was greeting fans while leaving the venue, one person suddenly approached Eunho and attempted to kiss him without consent.
The unexpected situation caught both the idol and his security team off-guard. Startled, Eunho quickly pushed the fan away, and his shocked expression was captured on video. Clips of the incident spread rapidly across online communities, prompting an outpouring of anger from fans demanding stronger protective measures for idols.
YOUNITE’s agency, Brand New Music, issued a statement on its official social media account shortly after the incident, saying, “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 is not the first time a male K-pop idol has been subjected to unwanted touching. In June last year, BTS member Jin was similarly harassed during a fan event at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul, where he hugged 1,000 fans following his military discharge. A Japanese woman forcibly kissed him during the event and later boasted on social media, writing, “My lips touched his neck. His skin was very soft,” which sparked widespread criticism.
Following public backlash, a petition was filed with the National Petition System requesting punishment for the fan involved. Police sought international cooperation through Interpol, and after seven months, the authorities identified a Japanese woman in her 50s and booked her on sexual harassment charges.
These recurring incidents have intensified calls for stronger safety protocols and legal measures to address what experts and fans alike say are clear cases of sexual harassment rather than harmless fan behavior.