ENHYPEN’s send-off party in the US caused a stir
In the world of K-pop, the bond between idols and their fans is often incredibly strong. This connection is celebrated in various ways, one of which is the send-off event, a farewell party held after a concert for die-hard fans to bid farewell to their favorite idols. However, a recent send-off event for the K-pop group ENHYPEN has sparked controversy and discussions within the fan community and beyond.
Accordingly, a send-off event is an exclusive gathering where fans have the opportunity to meet and interact with their idols after a concert. In the case of ENHYPEN, only VIP1 ticket holders who spent around $700 were granted access to this unique experience.
The controversy began when photos of fans interacting with the ENHYPEN members during the send-off event started circulating online. At first, a picture of a fangirl playfully holding up a wad of cash towards Heesung appeared, almost like a recreation of the famous “Shut up and Take my Money” meme. However, the subsequent images showed fans engaging in much more intimate interactions with the group members, such as pinching cheeks, tugging on their ears, and standing close enough to hug them, which ignited a passionate debate within the K-pop community.
The situation took an even more bizarre turn when rumors started circulating about the event’s abrupt cancellation. Unverified reports suggested that a fan had thrown a polaroid photo at Jake during the send-off event. This incident, if true, further fueled the outrage and reinforced the idea that such events could be poorly managed.
Moreover, fans rushing out of the concert venue before the show concluded to secure a spot at the send-off event caused safety concerns. This chaotic behavior not only jeopardized the safety of fans but also raised questions about the organization and control of these events.
