UPDATE: A recent incident involving SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu during a concert in Austin, Texas, has ignited a fierce debate over concert etiquette and perceived favoritism towards Western fans. The controversy erupted on October 22, 2025, when Mingyu was seen taking a shot of alcohol with a fan, prompting immediate backlash from fans and critics alike.
During the concert, a fan displayed a sign requesting the idol to join them for a drink. Mingyu, responding to the request, took a shot in front of the audience, which left many attendees shocked. One concert-goer shared, “The shot Mingyu took was in our section; I was speechless when I saw him drink it.”
The incident has raised concerns over the safety and appropriateness of such actions at public events, with many questioning the implications for fan behavior and idol accountability. Critics argue that this behavior could set a troubling precedent for interactions between idols and fans.
Additionally, the backlash has spotlighted ongoing accusations of favoritism from SEVENTEEN’s management, Pledis Entertainment. Fans from Southeast Asian (SEA) countries have claimed that they face stricter rules compared to their Western counterparts. In December 2024, Pledis issued a fan etiquette notice before the SEA leg of SEVENTEEN’s Right Here world tour, emphasizing restrictions on stalking, gift-giving, and interactions. This notice, released shortly before the tour began on January 18, 2025, was perceived by many as a targeted effort against SEA fans.
Fans have pointed out stark contrasts in treatment, claiming that during concerts in the U.S., SEVENTEEN members freely engaged in fan interactions, including hugs and gift exchanges. Critics have taken to social media to express their frustration, stating, “Contrary to popular belief, they don’t even do this much fan service in their home country or other Asian countries. It feels like they are chasing Western validation.”
Despite the outcry, some fans defended SEVENTEEN, highlighting instances where the group has shown appreciation for SEA fans. They argue that the perception of unequal treatment may not fully represent the group’s interaction history, noting that SEVENTEEN has primarily toured in Korea and Japan until recently.
As the situation develops, many are calling for a reevaluation of concert policies that could ensure equitable treatment for all fans, regardless of their location. The conversation continues to evolve as fans share their experiences and opinions online, creating a complex dialogue about the relationship between K-Pop idols and their diverse fanbase.
Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story and its impact on SEVENTEEN’s global fan community.
