As previously reported, BTS arrived at Incheon International Airport on February 9 after spending about a week working in Portugal to prepare for their long-awaited comeback. It came as no surprise that BTS’s return attracted a mαѕѕive crowd of fans and reporters at the airport, especially ahead of the release of their 5th studio album.
Hours before the flight landed, the arrivals hall was already packed with people, ranging from reporters representing major media outlets to hundreds of waiting fans. Barriers were set up to clearly separate areas for the press and fans. In addition, the airport increased security personnel in coordination with Big Hit’s bodyguards to ensure order and safety for the artists.
Nevertheless, as soon as BTS appeared at the exit, all order seemed to break down instantly. The chaotic scene left many people stunned: crowds pushed and shoved each other, fans shouted and chased after the members, and the members themselves nearly collided with the crowd if not for the timely protection of their managers.
However, these incidents paled in comparison to a more extreme and sophisticated stalking tactic by certain sasaeng fans that was later exposed: disguising themselves as reporters to get close to the idols at close range. This incident was later detailed by a Dispatch reporter on site, raising serious concerns among fans about the idols’ safety.
Specifically, before BTS’s flight landed, a Dispatch reporter told some fans on a livestream that a foreign woman had disguised herself as a journalist, but was actually an obsessive fan of Jimin. She stood among the press line, which made it difficult for security personnel to detect her immediately. Fortunately, some reporters noticed the suspicious behavior and alerted security. Thanks to timely intervention, the individual was stopped before she could carry out her plan to approach Jimin.
Following the reporter’s account, fans were completely ѕнσ¢кed. Although no worst-case scenario occurred, the incident was prevented in time, and BTS has since been escorted safely, many people could not hide their concerns about the dangerous nature of sasaeng fans’ boundary-crossing behavior. This is not the first time K-pop idols have faced risks from privacy invasions but disguising oneself as a reporter to bypαѕѕ security checks has been described as an alarming new tactic.
On social media, fans have called for stronger protective measures for BTS, especially for members like Jimin, who has frequently been the target of life-threatening threats. Many believe that stricter regulations are needed for verifying press credentials at airports, as well as minimizing the presence of unauthorized fans gathering in crowded airport areas. Fans’ opinions include:
- This is нσяяιвℓє!! I hope they get arrested and charged and I’m praying they keep Jimin protected.
- the reporter kept saying that a dangerous woman is in the crowd and thank god he made it safe
- I hope they arrest her, lock her up, and use her as an example!!
- wdym a foreigner impersonated to be a reporter, trying to get close to jimin. thankfully she was caught. this is psychotic behavior. LEAVE JIMIN ALONE.
- I think it was a trashkooker in disguise, those clowns are an embarrαѕѕment. And after they start playing victim
- I saw it too. Terrible. Fans have nothing to do at the airport.
- WHAT ??? Wtf this is so ¢яєєρу !! I hope tannies are okay ..
- I’m honestly so annoyed by this airport obsession in K-pop. They really need to bring in strict laws and impose restrictions on fans and even the media. People go all out and act crazy—these guys are going on tour, traveling from place to place, and will keep returning to кσяєα during breaks between tours. Does it always have to turn into a chaotic crowd situation?
- I don't wish ill on anyone, but to those who want to hurt Jimin, I can only wish that they suffer three times as much as they want to inflict.
- They have to issue a restraining order or soмєтнing. That's seriously so dangerous...
