SM vs. Fan Truth Dispute

Girl group Hearts2Hearts is at the center of a controversy regarding overzealous security. SM Entertainment (SM), the group’s agency, stated that their actions were taken to restrain obsessive fans ("saesengs"), but a fan who claims to be a victim of assault is refuting this claim, stating it's untrue.

A, who claims to be a victim of assault by Hearts2Hearts’ security personnel, posted on their social media, “Even if I was in the wrong, the response was like arresting a murderer! What does your statement even mean?” They also shared a photo of a bruised arm, adding, “The lawyer, doctor, and investigator all told me to file a lawsuit, but the security isn’t doing it because they don’t want the artist to be criticized.”

They criticized SM’s statement released through JTBC’s program, saying, “Is it okay to publish untrue content?” They continued, “I admit I bumped shoulders with a member, but is it okay to physically assault someone like an animal?”

A stated, “I was diagnosed with cervical spine sprain, lumbar spine sprain, and right upper arm sprain – a four-week recovery period. But I decided not to file a lawsuit. Since I’m not filing, the security doesn’t need to fabricate a story and release a statement.” However, A has since deleted their social media account.

Previously, on the 8th, a video circulated showing the group’s security personnel pushing and threatening a fan at Incheon International Airport, which was also covered on the program. In the video, the security guard says, “Don’t ride with us. Get away from me” while escorting Hearts2Hearts. When a woman tried to board the shuttle train, the guard angrily said, “Are you crazy, what are you doing?” When the woman said, “I also have a ticket,” the guard responded, “So what, why are you touching the member?”

The video showed the guard forcefully pushing the woman’s neck with their arm and hitting her face with their elbow. The program also released a video appearing to show the woman as a "saeseng" fan. ‘Incident Headquarters’ stated, “Another video from a different angle has surfaced, revealing that the woman deliberately bumped shoulders with a Hats to Hearts member and tried to get closer, holding a camera. Some believe the security guard reacted because of this.”

SM responded by stating, “At the airport, a saeseng fan repeatedly made sudden movements, including physically contacting the members from the airport entrance. Despite multiple verbal warnings from the manager and security, the fan continued to approach the members. When the group moved to a less crowded area to avoid inconveniencing other passengers, the fan again attempted to make contact. The security guard physically intervened to stop this, and excessive force was used. We have strongly protested to the security company and the security guard involved, demanding a thorough investigation and preventative measures.”

This isn't the first time Hearts2Hearts has faced controversy at the airport. In March, they were criticized for causing a disturbance at Gimpo International Airport during their departure. A video of a passenger swearing at the group and security due to the chaos went viral.

Written by Heo Ji Hyeong 

Translated by Lee So Yun