ENHYPEN's agency, BELIFT LAB, recently addressed a concerning incident involving sasaengs, or obsessive fans, who violated the group's privacy. On September 5, 2024, the agency issued an official statement, confirming that they would take legal action against the individuals responsible for the breach.
The sasaeng fans reportedly obtained ENHYPEN's flight ticket information through illegal means and went as far as purchasing seats near the members on that same flight.
Some even impersonated staff members to get closer to the group. Video footage of the incident quickly spread across social media, leading to widespread outrage among fans, who called for stricter measures to protect the members from such invasions of privacy.
BELIFT LAB expressed regarding the situation,
"We will do our best to protect the artists."
ENHYPEN's sasaeng controversy gets addressed by their company, BELIFT LAB
The incident in focus occurred on September 2, 2024, when ENHYPEN was returning from their promotional schedule in China. Upon arrival at Incheon Airport, a woman, disguised in casual clothing and a mask, managed to blend in with the K-pop group’s actual staff. She walked alongside the members of ENHYPEN without raising any suspicions.
Initially, even the group members didn’t realize that she was a sasaeng fan. It wasn’t until ENHYPEN's official staff members noticed her presence after a while and removed her from there that the situation became clear.
Further investigation revealed that the fan, along with others, had illegally obtained the group’s flight details, including ticket numbers, by hacking into the airline’s system. They then created unauthorized accounts with the airline, allowing them to purchase seats close to the group members on the flight.
While no specific incidents from the flight itself have been confirmed, the fact that the group’s privacy was breached to such an extent deeply upset both ENHYPEN and their fanbase. The situation has ignited strong reactions on social media, with many fans demanding immediate and thorough action to ensure the group's safety in the future. In response to the growing concerns,
BELIFT LAB quickly issued a formal statement, reassuring fans. They emphasized,
"We are taking strong action against the illegal acquisition and sale of airline ticket information. We will do everything in our power to protect our artists from such incidents."
This firm stance was met with relief from fans, who were thankful for the agency’s swift and decisive handling of the matter. Many expressed hope that stricter security measures would now be put in place to prevent such occurrences.
ENHYPEN's recent releases and success
Despite this sasaeng controversy, the group continues to enjoy significant success with their recent music releases.
Their second full-length album, ROMANCE: UNTOLD, released on July 12, 2024, debuted impressively at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. The album has maintained its popularity and currently holds its position at number 134 on the Billboard 200 as of the first week of September, marking its eighth consecutive week on the chart.
Additionally, the group is gearing up for their highly anticipated world tour, WALK THE LINE, which will kick off with concerts on October 5 and 6 at the Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium in South Korea. This marks a major milestone for the K-pop group, as it will be their first-ever stadium concert in their home country since their debut.
Fans are eagerly looking forward to all the upcoming performances by the group, celebrating the boy band's continued growth and achievements despite recent challenges.