Fans stalk and follow SM artists during their vacation in Hawaii

By jubilantj Monday, August 29, 2016 210,655 21,084 0

There's supporting your favorite K-Pop acts, and then there's creepily following them around to the ends of the Earth.

That is exactly what some fans did for SM's recent vacation to Hawaii in celebration of their 20th anniversary, and from the pictures circulating online, it appears that the artists weren't able to get a moment of peace and quiet from all the hubbub caused by the people tailing them wherever they went. Fan-taken photos of various SM artists were shared through online community posts, and it shows the artists enjoying (or at least trying to) enjoy their vacation, taking pictures, lazing about in the warm sand, and splashing in the water to cool down.

Unfortunately, the artists couldn't get away from the swarm of fans no matter where they went, followed around as they went about their business in Hawaii.

Netizens on this post were incredulous at the photos, blaming SM for revealing the date and locations of the vacation and not taking the artists somewhere more remote. They wrote:

"It looks more like a sasaeng rally..."

"I heard Red Velvet even went with their hair all tied up and that they hid tightly under their hoodies but they are going to be exposed all the same. If [SM] were really planning to give them a break, then they would have left more quietly."

"It's a shame they won't have a proper vacation and rest."

"That's a vacation?"

"I didn't realize it was a trip SM jointly planned with fans loool I never got to apply!"

BigBlueagain • Thursday, September 1, 2016

This isn't a vaca people. This is a workshop and SM WANTED the paparazzi around. It's a publicity stunt.

Sleel • Wednesday, August 31, 2016

They should vacation in Canada. Even if they are recognized, we would leave them alone. It's one of the reason we do get quite a few celebs vacationing here. We don't harass them. Get the odd autograph request, have NEVER heard of crowds stalking ppl. Bloody rude, that shit.

Kpopandanimes • Wednesday, August 31, 2016

I wish they could've gotten more privacy and maybe they could have had more fun if they didn't have to be followed everywhere with fans. (Honestly I would follow them for a few hours though...)

Lotus_Girl • Wednesday, August 31, 2016

"I didn't realize it was a trip SM jointly planned with fans loool I never got to apply!" kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkmade my day xD

krell • Wednesday, August 31, 2016

K-pop fans should *consider* that SMe Agency is perhaps 'playing them' in a 'Marketing Noise' type strategy. It *may* be that SMe Agency *anticipated* EXACTLY what has taken place. The 'impression' being created via 'News Media Coverage' is that SMe Agency K-pop Idols are SO POPULAR that they cannot even 'vacation in peace.' And that K-pop Fans of SMe Agency Idols are RABID in their NEED to be INVOLVED with THEIR IDOLS! ... ;-) ... I am *not* clear on why it is 'cool' to be hanging out in the Hotel Lobby (like a stalker) for a 'coveted' glimpse of some K-pop Idol. I guess you can take a 'FanCam' and show it to your friends, saying "SEE, this is AMBER wearing SUN GLASSES !!! ... And I WAS THERE !!!" ... ;-)

oceanduh • Wednesday, August 31, 2016

I AGREE ABSOLUTELY AGREE to the SM not being quieter and secret about the workshop event. I live in Hawaii, and at the Sheraton hotel, which they are staying at, it is PLASTERED with the words SMTOWN WORKSHOP on pillers and the walls, and there is banners all around the hotel property. Great job, SM.

DbSj_15 • Tuesday, August 30, 2016

That horrible moment when you realize some people followed them to a different country.... and if sm could rent out the whole hotel, why couldn't they rent out a private beach or something?

lanterngirl DbSj_15 • Wednesday, August 31, 2016

i don't think they rented out the entire hotel but YES TO THE PRIVATE BEACH, JEEZ IT'S THAT SIMPLE

BigBlueagain lanterngirl • Thursday, September 1, 2016

As of 2010 all beaches in Hawaii are public land. There's no such thing as a private beach.

lanterngirl BigBlueagain • Friday, September 2, 2016

They should have gone somewhere with a private beach, then. But they wouldn't because this is likely one big publicity stunt.

DbSj_15 lanterngirl • Friday, September 2, 2016

Oh jk then I probably misread something haha

DbSj_15 BigBlueagain • Friday, September 2, 2016

Ah that would make sense since it's such a tourist hotspot. Thanks for the info!

Wolfeden6 • Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Their itinerary should not have been announced. They were asking for trouble. And they stayed right in Waikiki,leaving them easy access. I hope they were able to enjoy a little bit of sun and sand.

mashivip4life • Tuesday, August 30, 2016

lol SM was basically asking for this. this was done more for publicity than as an actual genuine reward for their employees (no surprise there) so they're probably happy with the attention.