Airport chaos highlights safety concerns for K-pop idols

K-pop idols remain exposed to chaos and overwhelming scenes at airports in South Korea as security measures still raise ongoing safety concerns. In the latest case, it was 'Close Your Eyes', a new boy group which was leaving for the 39th Golden Disc Awards in Japan.

The seven-member group created on the survival show 'Project 7', 'Close Your Eyes', includes Ma Jing-xiang, Sakurada Kenshin, Jeon Min-wook, Seo Kyoung-bae, Song Seung-ho, Jang Yeo-jun, and Kim Sung-min. This was the first time for them to have an airport experience as a group since their formation last week. Their departure was initially smooth with the members being escorted by their security team, but chaos was seen when a large number of fans gathered hoping to get close to their favorite idols.

Videos from the site showed the seven struggling to navigate through the congested airport. Some fans overstepped personal boundaries, invading the members' space uncomfortably close. Though the group looked uncomfortable, they were fortunately left unscathed. Their entry into Japan was much calmer and more organized than their entry into Korea.

This has highlighted the constant occurrence of idol safety problems in public. Other groups too experienced a similar dilemma, such as that of ENHYPEN. Recently, while members of ENHYPEN Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki were leaving for their 'Walk The Line' world tour in Fukuoka, Japan from Incheon International Airport, they were also left with a similar chaotic scene.

Close Your Eyes members ranking was based on the audience's votes and the scores of each performance during Project 7. Ma Jing-xiang ranked at number one; Sakurada Kenshin came in second place, Jeon Min-wook third, and Seo Kyoung-bae fourth. Song Seung-ho, Jang Yeo-jun, and Kim Sung-min ranked fifth, sixth, and seventh, respectively.

The group is going to make its debut under the new agency, Encore, founded by SLL and YG PLUS. They will stage their first performance as a group at the Golden Disc Awards on January 4-5 in Fukuoka, Japan.