UPDATE: SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu is at the center of a heated debate following a controversial incident during a concert in Austin, Texas, on October 22, 2025. The idol sparked outrage after he took a shot of alcohol with a fan who held a sign requesting the interaction.
This incident has ignited discussions on concert etiquette and accusations of “Western favoritism” towards fans. As SEVENTEEN continues their U.S. tour, fans are expressing concern over the safety of Mingyu’s actions and the implications they carry.
During the concert, which marked the first of two nights in Austin, Mingyu’s decision to drink with a fan was captured on social media, leading to immediate backlash. One fan tweeted, “The shot Mingyu took was in our section. I was speechless when I saw him drink it!”
Critics have raised alarms about the apparent disparity in treatment between fans in Western countries and those in Southeast Asia (SEA). Many SEA fans claim they face stricter regulations during concerts, including prohibitions on gifts and personal interactions with the group. In contrast, recent performances in the U.S. featured more lenient fan interactions, including hugs and gift exchanges.
“It feels like they are chasing Western validation, and it comes across as low-key racist towards SEA fans,” one fan expressed on social media.
Pledis Entertainment, the agency representing SEVENTEEN, previously issued a fan etiquette notice ahead of their SEA tour, emphasizing rules aimed at preventing harassment. This notice has led to accusations that fans in SEA are unfairly targeted compared to their Western counterparts, who appear to enjoy more relaxed engagement with the group.
Despite the criticism, some fans defended SEVENTEEN, noting that the group has historically been limited in their tours and interactions outside of Korea and Japan. “If we want to talk about unfair treatment, let’s remember that SEVENTEEN has only toured Korea and Japan for years,” another fan pointed out.
As the situation continues to unfold, the debate surrounding concert etiquette and cultural perceptions in K-Pop is gaining traction, with fans expressing their feelings passionately on platforms like Twitter. The incident not only highlights the complexities of fan interactions but also raises questions about the responsibilities of idols and their management companies.
The fallout from this incident is expected to persist as SEVENTEEN prepares for their next concert. Fans and critics alike will be closely watching how Pledis Entertainment addresses these concerns moving forward.
For now, the spotlight remains on Mingyu and SEVENTEEN as they navigate this turbulent moment in their tour. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
