SEVENTEEN Pre-Recording Safety Incident Triggers Fan Outcry as “HYBE Seeks Evidence for Compensation”

Fans are calling for an official apology following a safety incident during the pre-recording of SEVENTEEN’s latest track.

On October 29th, it was reported that SEVENTEEN’s pre-recording for Mnet’s “M Countdown” took place on October 15th at the CJ ENM Studio Center located in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. A fan identified as “A,” who attended this event, posted on social media on October 22nd with the headline “Request for Official Apology and Rectification Regarding Fan Safety Concerns at SEVENTEEN’s Oct 15th, 2024 Pre-Recording” . This post gained widespread attention on X (formerly Twitter), accumulating over 1,000 retweets.

According to A, the venue was overcrowded, with 1,700 fans squeezed into a space intended for only 1,600 individuals. Those situated in the floor area experienced intense pressure from all sides, leading to several fainting or becoming ill, with some fans needing to be carried away during the event. A noted that attendees were required to wear varsity jackets, which contributed to dehydration and instances of fainting due to the heavy fabric.

A recounted the situation post-event, highlighting the lack of space for fans to decompress after leaving the venue, with many forced to sit or lie down on the asphalt. A criticized the absence of any follow-up, despite staff collecting details from those impacted.

A attempted to contact the fan communication platform Weverse, only to be told, “We can only assist with issues that occurred on-site.” This response left A feeling frustrated, as they accused Pledis, HYBE, and CJ ENM of overlooking fans’ safety concerns despite their significant clout as major companies.

After lodging a complaint with the Korea Consumer Agency on October 18th, Pledis requested photographic or video evidence of the incident to support A’s claim for compensation.

However, A pointed out that no such documentation was available since fans were prohibited from using electronic devices during the studio recording.

Another fan, identified as B, who was also present during the incident, shared their experience, stating, “On that day, the stage design caused fans to gravitate toward the center for a better view of the members, which made it challenging for many in the audience. The members recognized the safety concerns and tried to expedite the recording process.”

In reaction to the situation, HYBE stated, “The number of attendees allowed and the security personnel present that day were determined based on the broadcast network’s regulations. Both our organization and the broadcasting station implemented measures on-site to reduce discomfort for the audience, including relocating to rest areas and offering beverages.”

Furthermore, a representative from ‘M Countdown’ commented, “There is no official stance on this issue.”

Source: Daum

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