Fans are often concerned about the safety of K-pop idols, whether it is being mobbed at airports and events or pursued by sasaengs in public. While on tour, anything could happen, from injuries sustained during performances to concerts being cancelled due to safety concerns.
However, few could have anticipated that singer Kang Daniel (강다니엘) would fall victim to theft while on tour in the United States. Here is what happened to the idol and his team:
Kang Daniel is currently on tour in the United States, with his latest stop in San Jose, California, on Monday (22nd September). Unfortunately, just hours before the show, a truck containing his concert equipment, stage costumes and merchandise was broken into. The idol even took to his social media account to share what had happened, saying: “We got all our stuff stolen — outfits, hair and make-up tools, even MD goods. Still, let’s make it a great show. I’m okay.”
According to a statement by his agency, Konnect Entertainment, a thief reportedly broke into a staff vehicle and stole the aforementioned items. Despite the setback, the singer’s team quickly took action, purchasing replacement equipment from a nearby shopping centre to ensure the concert could proceed as scheduled without disruption. Most performers would be devastated by such an incident, but Kang Daniel reassured fans by staying positive and even making light of what had happened.
“Another achievement unlocked: Get robbed. I know this is tragic, but I think I’ll be alright,” he wrote on his Instagram channel. The idol also revealed that he had received news of a “wanderer” spotted wearing his merchandise, suspected to be the thief. Jokingly, he added that he hoped they would wear it well and listen to his music. Although he tried to remain positive, fans could not help but sympathise with him and expressed anger towards the perpetrator.
Some also pointed out that this was not the first time Kang Daniel had faced difficulties while touring in the US. Just a month ago, he and his fans were scammed by a concert organiser who failed to complete preparations for the New Jersey show on time, forcing it to be cancelled only 2 hours before it was due to begin.
It is unfortunate that Kang Daniel suffered such losses during his tour, but fans are hopeful that things will improve at future shows and that he will recover the stolen items before the tour ends. What would you have done if you were in the idol’s shoes?
