Although not encouraged, fan mobs will happen regardless, especially at events with well-known people. It’s normal for fans to be excited to see their favourite celebs or idols in close proximity, but more often than not, it can get chaotic quickly.
Just yesterday (Tuesday, January 21st, 2025), K-pop group RIIZE (라이즈) safely landed at Gimpo Airport in Seoul, South Korea. Upon exiting the hub, the members were swarmed by fans waiting by the door. The situation quickly escalated, as fans were seen falling over, and the members clung to each other for safety.
After wrapping up their fan meeting in Japan, RIIZE arrived in South Korea late in the evening and seemed exhausted but had to mask their feelings for BRIIZEs (RIIZE’s fandom name), who came to the airport to welcome them back. However, fans soon mobbed over the idols, making it hard for them to go through the crowd. Bodyguards had to push fans back as they shoved their phones into the members’ faces, and it even came to a point where Sungchan (성찬) was separated from the rest of his groupmates.
The video was originally uploaded on YouTube from Dispatch Korea’s live, and it quickly gained negative attention from netizens. Fans and photographers were seen tripping over themselves while flashing their camera lights to take photos of the boy group members. The flashing light was too bright for Anton (앤톤), so he had to shield his eyes. Many commented online that fans onsite should’ve respected the members’ personal space, while others praised the bodyguards for doing their best to protect the idols.
Although the situation looked overwhelming, assumably more RIIZE members, we’re glad no one was hurt. What do you think about this? Should it be handled better?
Watch the video below:
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Sources: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter (1)(2)(3)(4)
May contributed to this article.
