Given their immense popularity, K-pop idols often travel with bodyguards to keep them safe, especially when in public while surrounded by a crowd of fans. These bodyguards are often hired by the company for multiple schedules and events, so fans regularly see them with their favourite idols.
However, some bodyguards have made a name for themselves, garnering attention for their dedication to protecting the stars. In this listicle, we’ll meet four K-pop idol bodyguards who are equally popular amongst fans and have gone viral for their interactions with the idols they’re assigned to.
IU’s Bodyguard (Park Kunwoo)
First on the list is IU’s (아이유) bodyguard, Park Kunwoo (박근우). It’s understood that Mr Park works for a security company but is often hired by the singer for her many schedules, including her overseas concerts. However, Mr Park is so close to the star that he’s recognised as “IU’s Bodyguard” even when he’s working on other duties. His personal Instagram account, where he shares about his work and family, also has over 100k followers, showcasing his popularity amongst IU fans.
BTS’ Bodyguard (Mr Lee)
Many BTS (방탄소년단) fans are familiar with Lee Jaehyang, the man hired to protect the world-renowned boy group. However, it seems ARMYs are such huge fans of the bodyguard that they even started making TikTok edits of him. One specific video highlighted his smile and even caught the attention of member J-Hope (제이홉), who liked the video. This moment led to many inside jokes that the BTS members now know that their bodyguard has his own fandom amongst the ARMYs.
NCT Taeyong’s Bodyguard
NCT’s Taeyong (엔시티 태용) may be serving in the military right now, but when he was active as an idol, he had many bodyguards to protect him during his schedules. One bodyguard who remains a fresh memory for fans is the one who worked with the idol in Paris.
As shown in the viral videos, the bodyguard escorted Taeyong around the airport by holding the idol by his waist and effortlessly moving through the crowd of fans. The interaction amused many, who said Taeyong looked like a kid beside the more muscular bodyguard.
TWICE’s Bodyguard
Most K-pop idol bodyguards are males, so it’s easy to see why TWICE’s (트와이스) female bodyguard became so popular. However, one heart-fluttering interaction between the bodyguard and member Sana (사나) went crazy viral. During a fansign event in 2024, the bodyguard rushed on stage and wrapped her arms around the idol’s waist to protect her from a potential wardrobe malfunction. Many said the scene looked like it came out of a movie and prompted praise for the bodyguard for taking good care of the girl group.
BONUS:
Shin Seung Ho (Actor)
When actor Shin Seung Ho (신승호) acted alongside Red Velvet’s Irene (레드벨벳 아이린) in the movie “Double Patty”, many fans were surprised – because the actor once served as the group’s bodyguard at an event! Before his debut, Shin Seung Ho worked as a part-time bodyguard. He was later hired for a Red Velvet fan-sign event in 2016, where he went viral for his good looks. Funnily enough, he didn’t immediately recall meeting Irene before filming “Double Patty”, but only remembered that he worked as her bodyguard a few days later.
Sources: Koreaboo (1)(2), Twitter (1)(2)(3)
