SM Entertainment, boy group NCT's agency, has issued an official notice on Weverse addressing serious privacy violations and safety issues involving the artists. The company is urging fans to exercise restraint and respect the group's privacy to ensure a mature fandom culture and protect the artists' well-being.
The notice highlights a few areas of concern including airport and in-flight conduct, misuse of personal information, following of private and unofficial schedules, as well as general safety concerns.
SM Entertainment stated that a lack of order at airports during international and domestic travel has caused continuous inconvenience and safety risks to the artists, fans, and other passengers. The agency asks fans to refrain from excessive physical contact, attempts at conversation, and giving gifts or letters in secure areas like immigration, security checkpoints, and on the plane. The notice also specifically calls out repeated instances of fans approaching artists' seats on flights, which has led to severe privacy infringement. Going forward, no gifts or letters will be accepted at airports or on flights.
It was also revealed that fans have been illegally obtaining and using artists' personal information to alter or cancel flight tickets, which disrupts their schedules. SM Entertainment warned that such actions constitute obstruction of business and could lead to a claim for damages. They emphasized that fans should not use illegally obtained information to visit airports or book the same flights as the artists.
The company also asked fans to avoid visiting unofficial schedules and private spaces. These unannounced events are kept confidential for security reasons, and fans' presence can cause major disruptions. The agency also strictly prohibited visiting or approaching locations related to the artists' private lives, such as their dorms, and asked fans to refrain from waiting outside hotels during overseas schedules or taking photos of the members' private activities.
The notice also addressed dangerous behavior, such as blocking or chasing the artists' vehicles. This not only hinders the group's movement but also poses a serious safety threat to the artists, fans, and the general public.
This official statement follows previous incidents where NCT members have voiced their concerns about sasaengs (obsessive fans). SM Entertainment previously took legal action against a fan who impersonated a delivery driver to illegally obtain a member's personal information, resulting in a fine for the individual.
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