Swarming Mobs Ruin BOYNEXTDOOR’s First Airport Appearance

Following an abysmal display of crowd control, the rising boy group, BOYNEXTDOOR, had their first airport appearance thoroughly spoiled. Just two months into their promising debut, the young K-Pop idols were subjected to an alarming onslaught of mob frenzy at Incheon Airport, bringing into stark focus the ugly side of fan culture and inadequate security measures.

#BOYNEXTDOOR on their way to japan for J-WAVE INSPIRE TOKYO.pic.twitter.com/1AoHgct5xu

— bonedo (@boynextdoortwt) July 15, 2023

The group, set to fly from South Korea to Japan for their scheduled appearance at the J-WAVE INSPIRE TOKYO concert, were met with a sea of enthusiastic fans and press. What should have been an exciting milestone turned into a nightmare as they found themselves in the center of a mob, with fans and reporters shoving them while brandishing oversized cameras in their faces.

riwoo fixing their clothes… they were so excited to have their first airport photo time but it all got ruined so quickly. #BND_DeservesBetter#Protect_BOYNEXTDOOR pic.twitter.com/9lKimzThyk

— boynextdoor daily (@530daily) July 16, 2023

Respect their personal space!#BND_DeservesBetter#Protect_BOYNEXTDOORpic.twitter.com/XNvjL2Mtqo

— ♡ WHO’s Gaby ♡ TEAM SERENADE ♡ BONEDO COMEBACK ♡ (@GabySAC25) July 16, 2023

Footage circulating on social media sites shows disturbing scenes where the members were visibly rattled and overwhelmed by the chaotic crowd. In one video, Ihan, one of the group’s members, is seen responding to the mayhem with an awkward laugh and a shake of his head, a disheartening sight for fans that expected their idols’ first airport outing to be memorable for all the right reasons.

we don't deserve him.. #BND_DeservesBetter#PROTECT_BOYNEXTDOORpic.twitter.com/DTCD0eGB3e

— ☆ (@curiouct) July 16, 2023

Another heartbreaking clip shows Taesan looking both shell-shocked and frightened amidst the uncontrolled crowd, being jostled around by multiple people. The intensity of the situation was heightened due to the fact that the members are still relatively new to the K-Pop scene, with their debut just two months ago, making the experience even more distressing.

This is unacceptable…#BND_DeservesBetter#Protect_BOYNEXTDOORpic.twitter.com/r9X2Vf5Y05

— ♡ WHO’s Gaby ♡ TEAM SERENADE ♡ BONEDO COMEBACK ♡ (@GabySAC25) July 16, 2023

In the wake of this chaotic event, fans have rallied behind BOYNEXTDOOR, starting Twitter hashtags #BND_DeservesBetter and #PROTECT_BOYNEXTDOOR in hopes of drawing attention to the need for better security measures and fan behavior during airport appearances. They have urged both the airport security and the management of BOYNEXTDOOR to ensure the members’ safety during such public appearances in the future.

protect them.#BND_DeservesBetter#PROTECT_BOYNEXTDOORpic.twitter.com/tR4qCEPuDl

— (@prodtaesan) July 16, 2023

Look at Sunghos hands in the 2nd pic… He grabbed so hard… He must be nervous and anxious #BND_DeservesBetter#PROTECT_BOYNEXTDOOR pic.twitter.com/EN6L2VI99Z

— bee team oao (@boynextdorks) July 16, 2023

Amidst their call for enhanced security measures, fans are also pleading with fellow fans to respect the personal space of their beloved idols. The argument they pose is simple yet profound: The love for a group shouldn’t translate into behaviors that infringe upon the personal boundaries and safety of the members.

Fansites (block)list who took close-ups pics of the members in restricted areas at the airport!#BND_DeservesBetter#ProtectBOYNEXTDOOR#Protect_BOYNEXTDOOR https://t.co/c34VBPQcmF

— ♡ WHO’s Gaby ♡ TEAM SERENADE ♡ BONEDO COMEBACK ♡ (@GabySAC25) July 16, 2023

The incident has sparked a critical conversation about the often-ignored issue of idol safety and the potential dangers of mob culture in K-Pop fandoms. It is an unfortunate reminder that while the excitement and passion of fans are integral to the vibrancy of the K-Pop scene, there also needs to be a balance struck with respect and boundaries to ensure the safety of the artists. As the hashtag says, BOYNEXTDOOR, like every other group, undoubtedly deserves better.