In the realm of K-pop fan interactions, the recent surge in netizens expressing discomfort over fan call etiquette has ignited a broader conversation about appropriate boundaries.
Amidst the global pandemic, SEVENTEEN, like many other groups, adapted to the virtual sphere for fan interactions. Online fan calls have become a crucial avenue for members to engage with fans worldwide, breaking down geographical barriers.
Viral Videos Spark Uncomfortable Reactions
On December 19, during fan calls with yzy, SEVENTEEN’s interactions with fans took an unexpected turn, sparking discomfort among netizens. Videos of fan calls, particularly those involving Joshua and Hoshi, went viral for all the wrong reasons.
Joshua’s “Inappropriate”Fan Call Raises Eyebrows
While fans typically enjoy the endearing exchanges between SEVENTEEN members and fans, a particular fan call with Joshua drew attention for its perceived inappropriateness. The discomfort arose when a fan, in a lighthearted manner, asked if they could address Joshua as “Mom”due to perceived maternal qualities. The viral video triggered anger and disgust among netizens, with concerns about the potentially traumatic impact on Joshua.
joshua after the most traumatic fancall of his life https://t.co/DLxplZq3WN pic.twitter.com/ZlGGNV4QLG
— SHUACEMBER (@shuabebito) December 19, 2023
#조슈아 #JOSHUA#SEVENTEEN #세븐틴#ジョシュア231219 yzy fansign pic.twitter.com/7iZJoRh23Y
— Deep2Inside (@Deep2Inside) December 19, 2023
That must be one of the hell traumatic experience. https://t.co/lArqyZkjZr pic.twitter.com/B0zrfkghMS
— pahala (@mingdanmeng) December 20, 2023
#조슈아 #JOSHUA#SEVENTEEN #세븐틴#ジョシュア231219 yzy fansign pic.twitter.com/7iZJoRh23Y
— Deep2Inside (@Deep2Inside) December 19, 2023
real picture of joshua getting ready for fancall day https://t.co/d8NvFd98d6 pic.twitter.com/N2dnQH4cTY
— kim ✧ DIXTAPE (@cosmokwan) December 19, 2023
#조슈아 #JOSHUA#SEVENTEEN #세븐틴#ジョシュア231219 yzy fansign pic.twitter.com/7iZJoRh23Y
— Deep2Inside (@Deep2Inside) December 19, 2023
Hoshi Faces Similar Backlash for “Cringe”Interaction
Similarly, Hoshi’s fan call during the same event attracted negative attention. Known for his playful nature, Hoshi faced criticism when a fan labeled their interaction as “cringe”and “inappropriate.”In this instance, the fan accused of overstepping clarified that it was Hoshi who initiated the use of the term “mom”in response to her initial statement.
Even he was weird tf out😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/B1jzG3psiZ pic.twitter.com/mdVlUygo1h
— lucy ☆ (@miffyhoshi) December 19, 2023
231219 이즈위 영통 팬싸 #호시 #세븐틴 나는 호시랑 여보가 되고 싶지 않고 엄마가 되고 싶다고 했어요ㅠㅠ나이는 어리지만 엄마도 되고 싶고 이렇게 귀여운 아들을 갖고 싶어요ㅠㅠ pic.twitter.com/DDRfsf1JQi
— Soraka0917 (@shayulajiaozzzz) December 19, 2023
his jaw was on the floor my buddy https://t.co/qm6xDjrDQ7
— bi (@hoshy_main) December 19, 2023
why would you ask him to be his mother https://t.co/3yDh08oCtR pic.twitter.com/H9bxtUSuHY
— lesbian hoshi (@hoshtism) December 19, 2023
231219 이즈위 영통 팬싸 #호시 #세븐틴 나는 호시랑 여보가 되고 싶지 않고 엄마가 되고 싶다고 했어요ㅠㅠ나이는 어리지만 엄마도 되고 싶고 이렇게 귀여운 아들을 갖고 싶어요ㅠㅠ pic.twitter.com/DDRfsf1JQi
— Soraka0917 (@shayulajiaozzzz) December 19, 2023
Debating Boundaries in Fan-Idol Interactions
As backlash intensified, the original poster (OP) defended the interactions, emphasizing that fans should have the freedom to express themselves. However, the broader concern among netizens revolves around the need for clear boundaries during fan calls.
I said to Hoshi, I don’t want to be your wife, I want to be your mom.Because you are so cute, I want to have a cute child like you. How happiness if i can be your mother!I didn’t expect him call me “Mommy”directly🤣🤣 and say “I love you, Mom”in Chinese. https://t.co/XL1M3hEYpt
— Soraka0917 (@shayulajiaozzzz) December 19, 2023
Many argue that idols and their management should have the ability to terminate calls that veer into uncomfortable territory. Fans advocate for these interactions to focus on genuine conversations rather than creating potentially inappropriate “narratives.”The incident has prompted a critical reflection on the evolving dynamics between idols and fans in the digital age.