Idol groups are dealing with serious issues caused by private fans, leading to legal action and emotional distress.

Is the relationship between idol groups and private fans (Sasenpen: fans who follow celebrities' private lives) inseparable? From the first generation of idols to the arrival of the fifth generation, the damage caused by private fans remains serious. Many singers and agencies have taken various measures, but no clear solution has emerged. However, many idol groups are now showing an attitude that does not rule out lawsuits. First, private fans often obtain idols' phone numbers and make calls. Changmin of Tohoshinki recently appeared on Son Shigyon's YouTube channel. Son Shigyon said, "I met Yunho and talked to him, but at that time, it was an era when the battery of the mobile phone could be separated. His phone was ringing all the time. Even while we were talking, he was always checking and answering if it was a friend's number. The phone kept ringing, and I had to change the battery (because it ran out of charge). I had four batteries." He continued, "It was because the fans knew the phone number. I suggested changing the number, but I was told that even if I changed it, I would immediately receive a message saying 'Congratulations on changing your number,' and that was very shocking to me." He said, "The employees of the communication company with access rights must have been fans of Tohoshinki. It's really bad. It's just one person who smears the face of Tohoshinki's fans, but it means that there were fans of Tohoshinki everywhere." He also said, "But Yunho calmly said, 'It's okay. It's something I have to overcome.'" Hoshi of SEVENTEEN also suffered damage while live streaming last year. He said, "If you're going to call, don't do live streaming. Don't call. It's annoying to react. Even if you call with a private number, you can report it and sue. I haven't sued because I'm young." Prior to this, Pledis Entertainment, the agency, issued a strict warning to private fans for the protection of artists. Pledis said, "There have been continued acts of unauthorized entry into private places that are not part of SEVENTEEN's official schedule, and acts that violate the privacy of artists within the security area of the airport. If you violate the privacy and personality rights of the artist, you will be excluded from SEVENTEEN's fan participation activities without prior warning, and evidence will be collected through surveillance cameras and monitoring, and legal measures will be taken." Stalker behavior in private places such as homes and offices of stars is also one of the abuses of private fans. Gyuri of KARA was a victim of stalking in Japan last year. She said in a live stream, "Those people keep following me." The video showed private fans chasing Gyuri, and she shouted, "Don't chase me!" She said, "I heard that Youngji was also chased yesterday. People like that are not fans. It's annoying." DBNCT has been troubled by enthusiastic fans since their debut. In 2022, there was a crime in which Heechan's private fan entered his home without permission. Since it was a space where he was spending time with his family, Heechan and his family suffered mental anguish. This incident was prosecuted, but the person involved, Heechan, dealt with it, and it did not lead to criminal punishment. SM Entertainment said, "There have been continued acts such as unauthorized visits to places related to NCT members' private lives, waiting for members, chasing cars, excessive contact or shooting of members within the security area of the airport, attempting to contact members illegally by obtaining personal information, and spreading malicious rumors, and members have complained of serious pain." They emphasized, "We will strictly deal with illegal acts such as home invasion, leakage of personal information, and stalking with a policy of zero tolerance. We will take strong legal measures." BTS (Bangtan Boys) also suffered damage from private fans. Jungkook was known by private fans and suffered damage such as receiving unauthorized deliveries. He said, "I appreciate the thought, but I am eating properly, so please order for yourself and eat. Please stop. If you send it again, I will check the order number on the receipt and take action. So please stop." V suffered from a stalker. Last year, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station investigated a woman in her 20s for attempting to approach V's home. This woman is suspected of stalking acts such as riding the elevator together and delivering a marriage certificate. Their agency, BIGHIT MUSIC, said, "We have continuously collected evidence against private fans who have sent mail and parcels to the artist's home several times and caused damage to the artist's family, and have filed a criminal complaint for violation of the Act on Punishment of Stalking Crimes (Stalking Punishment Act). We will continue to respond with zero tolerance to stalking acts that violate the artist's privacy and threaten their safety." Recently, Jaejoong complained about the pain of 20 years of damage. He said through SNS, "Private taxis waiting for me at each section. Drivers who have to go because they were asked to chase me by the customers. You are still making profits by harassing and trampling on one person's precious time and emotions as if planning on the radio in the car. I plan to collect such videos in the future, including the footage of all six cars yesterday, and I hope you will receive severe punishment for collecting privacy and human suffering. I still remember the scary words, 'If Jaejoong gets married, I will definitely visit the wedding venue.' I hope you will keep that promise and be imprisoned." Even as the generations change, the extreme actions of private fans continue. Private fans who use their love to torment stars are not fans, but criminals. Many artists are responding with strong punishment without patience, so it is expected that better examples of coping methods will emerge in the future.