Xenophobia at Play? RIIZE Fans Accuse Innocent Concertgoer of Being a Sasaeng

The occurrence at a recent RIIZE concert in Mexico City has sparked controversy and sparked discussions about the problem of sasaeng fans in the K-pop community.

The TikTok video capturing the altercation has sparked discussions about the boundaries that should be respected between fans and idols.

if you want context i’m so sick of international fans assuming every fansite is a sasaeng it’s so weird. and this person wasn’t even blocking ANYONES VIEW or pushing or shoving so for you to put your hands on them for so reason is fucked upstop being racist. they’re fans too. https://t.co/xj1DMzKN2G pic.twitter.com/wLLMnwfBqU

— Luca (@gk2chxn) May 16, 2024

During their concert in Mexico City, RIIZE, the up-and-coming K-pop group currently on their first fan meeting tour, experienced a concerning incident.

A fan attending RIIZE’s concert was seen confronting another attendee who was holding a DSLR camera in a now-viral TikTok video titled “Sasaeng at RIIZE’s concert.”

As other concertgoers discouraged the filming, a tense moment ensued and a hand appeared to push the fan holding the camera.

Asian people carrying cameras doesn’t mean they are sasaengs.One Mexican fan’s bad behavior doesn’t mean all Latinos are violent and rude.Few solo stans saying irrational and inappropriate things doesn’t mean the entire sub-fandom hates on other members.People should not…

— 2ND CHANCE (@2nd_chance___) May 16, 2024

In a startled manner, the fan quickly tried to protect their camera before refocusing their attention back to the stage.

Despite causing immediate outrage among fans, the video also initiated a larger discussion about the complexities of accusations regarding sasaeng behavior.

like this isn’t just them, reminds me of the stuff from coachella to. people like this are the EXACT reason why a lot of asians (including some of my friends) feel unsafe at kpop concerts cause of stereotypes and even one got called a sasaeng even tho they live in america and+

— Luca (@gk2chxn) May 16, 2024

The K-pop industry has long been concerned about the invasive and obsessive behavior of sasaeng fans towards idols.

Nevertheless, the event in Mexico City has brought attention to the risks of making assumptions without proper evidence.

don’t speak the language. like it feels like the sasaeng thing is an excuse for you to be racist towards chinese and korean fans and i really hate itdo your research before acting like this and remember that some of these people are fans like you there to enjoy the concert

— Luca (@gk2chxn) May 16, 2024

Despite the physical altercation, numerous fans have voiced their disapproval, stating that it is unjust and potentially discriminatory to immediately categorize any individual of Asian descent with a camera as a sasaeng.

anyways here’s one of the og posts and then here’s the KOREAN FANS (notice how i didn’t say fansite) statement which they deleted already pic.twitter.com/b2XzR5a69F

— Luca (@gk2chxn) May 16, 2024

The dispute highlights the importance of finding a delicate balance between safeguarding idols from excessive fans and honoring the rights and privacy of sincere fans.

The growing global popularity of K-pop serves as a reminder of the significance of mutual respect and understanding among fan communities, as incidents like these continue to occur.

i knew about the camera before i even made this tweeet. her having a camera doesn’t excuse the fact that she was literally assaulted. throw sasaeng and fansite away for two seconds. she was assaulted for doing NOTHING

— Luca (@gk2chxn) May 17, 2024

Following the incident, RIIZE’s management team released a statement denouncing all types of harassment and violations of privacy directed towards the group and their fans.

The agency of the group made it clear that they are dedicated to always prioritizing the safety and well-being of both RIIZE and their supporters.

As the conversation surrounding the incident continues to develop on the internet, it is yet to be determined how the K-pop community will handle the topic of sasaeng behavior and navigate the intricate nature of fan-idol relationships in the modern era.