A “Real” Reason Some Idols Hesitate To Get Their Driver’s License (Hint: It Has Nothing To Do With Fear Of Driving)

With Seoul’s impressive public transportation system and how they are usually driven to places by chauffeurs, many K-Pop idols do not have a driver’s license.

BTS‘s RM is one idol known for remaining license-less into his twenties.

While nothing is wrong with not having a license or waiting to get one, some fans have wondered why some idols are reluctant to commit to driving.

A recent live stream by ATEEZ‘s Hongjoong brought the question to fans’ minds again, giving them an unexpected answer.

While chatting with fans, Hongjoong began discussing how he had recently gotten his license, mentioning that he knew some fans wouldn’t like it.

면허 따게 된 계기가 효도였대 작년에 아버님한테 차 사드리려고 했는데 기어코 안 받으셔서 홍중이가 알아써 받지마! 하고 빌드업으로 면허 딴 거래 그 후에 차 사서 결국 드렸다고… 아기효자둥잉 pic.twitter.com/8LYJIgvjMx

— 탐사 (@tamsaahj) July 7, 2023

“Honestly, because I thought there would also be fans who’d not like me getting a driving license, I wasn’t going to talk about it. There are many saying ‘you’ve been so busy when did you get it?'”

— Hongjoong

Hongjoong gave a longer explanation, but many fans were stuck on why some would not like him to have a license. Another fan gave context, saying that, in some people’s eyes, having a driver’s license makes it easier for idols to date because they don’t have to rely on managers driving them places.

Hongjoong’s worry may not be about this specifically, but it did bring the idea to fans’ attention.

Ok lots of atinys are confused as to why some fans would be against it:
idols getting drivers licence and/or a car = dating cause they can go anywhere without their manager but especially because the car provides a "safe space to hang out" if you know what I mean https://t.co/bX38s5z2Ol

— ????????????????????????????'???? ???????????????????????????????????? (@8INY_1024) July 7, 2023

While this might seem a little ridiculous, in the past, idols have talked about how driving made dating secretly much easier. Sandara Park revealed that she had gone on many blind dates in cars and met up with people after debuting.

“I’ve done [blind dates] in cars too… After I debut, I [met up] in cars.

You know that hair salon in Cheongdam-dong, near SM? I parked there [and had a blind date].”

— Sandara Park

Actor and Z:EA member Kwanghee went as far as to say that idols often purchase their first cars for dating.

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After learning about this, fans thought it was strange that something like getting a license would be looked at negatively, and their belief idols should be able to date freely regardless.

the weirdest part of this is fans being against idols having drivers lessons for THAT reason!! what is it to you, an idol is dating or whatever, and idols will still date with our without a drivers license, like let them breathe https://t.co/ThTyzKxi8g

— lina⁷ ᵇʸ ʲᵏ • OUTLAW (@kthtease) July 7, 2023

this sounds so obsessive like they want idols to be closed off from the outside world just so they won’t date?? https://t.co/sTg18cq2Vs

— tiff ⁷ THEO DAY (@keehofiIm) July 8, 2023

fans trying to gatekeep idols by getting mad or jealous of them getting drivers license its insane https://t.co/yHOZyk9WBW

— fide^_−☆ (@yoongitoenails) July 8, 2023