Excessive Security → Power Abuse Controversy 'Boy Next Door'
Panda World Violates Internal Rules by Consuming Drinks Controversy
The male idol group Boy Next Door has recently sparked controversy after allegations of abusive behavior during filming at Everland Panda World in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, where they reportedly disrupted visitors' viewing experience. Previously, the group faced heavy criticism when a video surfaced showing a security guard roughly pushing a female fan at the airport.
A member of the idol group Boy Next Door is standing in Panda World holding a beverage that appears to be coffee. Bringing drinks into Panda World is prohibited. [Photo by Online Community]
On the 18th, an online community post claimed that Boy Next Door had engaged in 'filming abuse.'
The author, identified as A, said, "It seems like a celebrity came to Panda World. The staff blocked the entrance so people couldn't line up and shouted for us to clear the area." They added, "I squeezed through, but a male staff member pushed people. Is this what filming abuse is? To experience this while watching pandas is unbelievable."
They continued, "When the group of celebrities took the Q-pass (priority boarding line), fans tried to cut in line to take photos, following the celebrities. So I shouted, 'This is the line to see the pandas.'" They also expressed frustration, saying, "To us, Fu Bao is the celebrity, so this is absurd."
Sightings of Boy Next Door Panda World posted on an online community. [Photo by Online Community]
Boy Next Door is also suspected of violating Panda World’s internal rules. Bringing beverages into Panda World is prohibited. However, photos posted online show a member of Boy Next Door holding what appears to be a coffee drink inside Panda World.
Samsung C&T, the operator of Everland, confirmed that they granted permission for Boy Next Door’s filming request but did not provide specific details about the filming schedule.
Regarding claims that other visitors were prevented from entering during Boy Next Door’s filming, Samsung C&T stated that it was not their staff who enforced such control.
Netizens who saw this information reacted with comments such as, "Celebrities think they are above others," "Filming abuse by celebrities must stop," and "For those not interested in male idols, watching Fu Bao is more valuable."
Boy Next Door Faces 'Abusive Behavior' Controversy Following Excessive Security Incident
Boys Next Door airport video. A security guard is roughly pushing a female fan. [Photo by X (formerly Twitter)]
Meanwhile, Boy Next Door has recently been criticized for excessive security measures.
Videos circulated on online communities showing a person presumed to be a security guard pushing a female fan holding a camera and causing her to fall while the group was moving through the airport.
Other footage showed security guards holding hands to form a circle around Boy Next Door members for protection. Some netizens criticized this, saying, "Are they security guards or gangsters?", "It looks like the traditional Korean circle dance, Ganggangsullae," and "If a fan is being pushed like that, shouldn't at least one member intervene?"
KOZ Entertainment, a subsidiary of HYBE and the agency representing Boy Next Door, eventually issued an apology. The agency stated, "We have apologized separately to those directly affected and are checking on their physical and mental health as well as any damage to their belongings. We have taken measures to ensure that the security personnel involved will not be assigned to our artists’ future events."
Boy Next Door is a six-member boy group produced by Zico, debuting on May 30, 2023, with the single "WHO!". Their music generally features relatable everyday themes for younger generations and easy-listening sounds without exaggeration. As of the 20th, the music video for their second album's title track "Mwot Gat-a" has surpassed 30 million views.
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