Fan Behavior That Is Actually “Sasaeng Behavior,” According To K-Pop Fans

With fame comes opportunities and the chance for performers to do what they love for a living. Unfortunately, for K-Pop idols, it can also mean dealing with sasaengs: obsessive stalkers who invade their privacy and put their safety at risk.

Sasaeng behavior can include stalking, threats, and other intimidating actions, but some well-meaning fans might also be guilty of crossing the line, according to their fellow fans.

Some sasaeng behavior that people don't realize is sasaeng behavior?
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1. Gathering for military service send-offs and airport departures

Even when idols specifically ask fans to stay home, some still come to take photos and greet them.

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2. Following an idol’s relatives on social media

Some fans felt that following an idol’s relatives is only okay if those relatives are also public figures.

BTS’s J-Hope (right) with his sister, Jung Jiwoo | South China Morning Post

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3. AI Edits

Some fans are firmly against people using AI to edit videos and photos of themselves with idols.

A ChatGPT-generated AI image of a K-Pop idol and and a fan

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4. Off-Duty Photos

Taking photos of idols when they’re not at a public event is considered sasaeng behavior by some fans.

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5. Orchestrating your own meet-cute

It’s not uncommon for fans to fantasize about meeting their bias in real life. In fact, sometimes it happens completely by accident. Other times…

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6. Snark Subreddits

These subreddits exist purely to ridicule and criticize public figures, such as idols.

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