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5 K-pop idols who were victims of sasaeng fans: Blackpink’s Jennie got a billboard ad asking her for a date, while Twice’s Nayeon has been stalked by ‘Josh1994’ since 2019
STORYJi Won Chung
- Social media influencer Christian Albert Gaza asked Jennie on a dinner date via a US$30,000 billboard ad, riling up K-pop fans
- Other diehard fans waited outside Stray Kids member Seungmin’s dorm, while Ateez discovered tracking devices attached to their vehicles
K-pop idols often have a strong connection with their fans, with apps like LYSN and Weverse existing specifically for idol-fan interaction. Fans can get a glimpse into their idols’ lives offstage, establishing a parasocial relationship.
But this means that, all too often, fans cross lines and act inappropriately, invading their idols’ privacy in a disturbingly large variety of ways. These fans are known as sasaeng fans – with the term coming from the Korean word for “private life” – and they are relentless in their attempts to grab their idols’ attention.
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Here are just a few idols who have been victims of obsessive fan behaviour.
Blackpink’s Jennie
The 25-year-old Blackpink star was recently the target of a US$30,000 billboard ad set up by Filipino social media influencer, Christian Albert Gaza, who is a self-proclaimed No 1 Jennie fan. Placed near the YG Entertainment building in Seoul, the ad reads, “Kim Jennie Ruby Jane, you are my ultimate crush. Can I take you out to dinner and make me the happiest man alive?” in both Korean and English.
Fans were naturally disturbed, fearing for Jennie’s safety and privacy. Hashtags #protectjennie and #leavejenniealone were used on social media to criticise Gaza’s behaviour. Gaza responded to fans on his Facebook, claiming: “Same thing with your balloons, flowers and other stuffs. It’s just the same thing. The only difference is that you can’t afford a house and lot gift.”
Twice’s Nayeon
