Korea's Sasaeng: When Idol Worship Goes a Little Too Far

When the new millenia came about, a new type of entertainment trend swept across Asia in an unprecedented speed and popularity. Sources vary with pin pointing the exact beginning. It may have started with the popular Korean dramas. Some say it's the idol groups that followed what Japan started. 

Whatever the cause, the effect was almost instantaneous. Within a few years, the popularity of Korean entertainment continued across the continent, an event we now call as the Hallyu Wave.

With newfound fame and the emergence of improved economy, the Korean entertainment industry flourished as expected. Touring and merchandise sales became gold mines and idol-centric agencies began making their own names. Amidst the glory and stardom, controversies have also taken their rightful place as well. Sexual harassment, disbandment, drugs, child labor and maltreatment of artists are just the tip of the iceberg.

However, though most of these scandals are born within the industry, one problem proved to be unique enough to be noticed by both the general public and Korean celebrities: Sasaeng fans.

As Wikipedia puts it, a Sasaeng is "an over-obsessive fan of a Korean pop idol, or other public figure, that has engaged in stalking or other behavior that constitutes an invasion of privacy." 

They have risen in numbers and power considerably in the past decade despite being initially formed with the most innocent of intentions. Early 2000s, the term is not yet even prevalent, especially online. They were initially called as "privates" as a direct translation of the word. But over the years, they have become sophisticated with their means and have transformed into glorified stalkers that have troubled their idols and have proven to be quite disruptive and threatening as their idea of love results to a belief that it's perfectly normal to get closer to their idols by doing it literally.

So what are the usual sasaeng fan activities? Here are some of the things I've personally read about in various articles, news reports and comment sections that most Kpop fans might be familiar with:

• Left their studies, work and family life for their fangirl career.

• Putting lingerie in an idol's bag, throwing lingerie at an idol during a concert, giving lingerie to an idol, sending lewd gifts to an idol.

• Camping outside the dorms and/or hotels. Some of the "luckier" ones may have also gotten hold of the security code or dorm key and make a copy of it.

• Actually attempting, sometimes succeeding, in getting inside a celebrity's waiting room, house, hotel room or dorm.

• If the taping site is within walking distance, they jaywalk despite the rush hour to follow their idols around.

• Booking tickets to the same flights and taking photos of the celebrities without their consent. Usually happens when the idols are asleep.

• Rent vehicles so they can follow their idol group. 

• Fighting with security personnel. Cursing at security personnel. Physically hurting staff members.

• Buying expensive photography equipment and bringing huge lens and ladders in every event. Every. Event.

• Obtaining their personal phone numbers and calling them at night.

• Obtaining the personal phone numbers of their idol's family members and calling them at night. 

• Resorts to phone tapping or even installing CCTV cameras.

• Send death threats to celebrities they hate. 

• Spreading rumors of having a relationship with an idol.

• Befriending or taking advantage of staff members to gain access to see their idols backstage after an event/concert.

• Requesting idols for too much skin ship and familiarity in a selca together.

• Between buying the merchandise and the constant stalking, the expensive fangirl hobby sometimes "force" some sasaeng fans to prostitute themselves for extra funds.

The nature of a celebrity's work is enough to lose their privacy. Not even vacations are certain due to the busy schedule and priorities. Having fans following you around is just an added burden. In a documentary featuring Sasaengs, a PR representative from an agency explained the situation:

“It's a great stress. Even if we don't disclose the schedule they always follow around. I don't know how they know. Really, they're like ghosts, they follow everywhere. Even the stars themselves know, so it's a great stress.That makes the stars become uncomfortable about going out, so they stop going outside, they stop meeting other people. You can't see them anything other than a necessary evil. They (sasaeng fans) are just a social issue.”

In a series of posts for this new blog, I will be gathering reports of the things Sasaeng fans did to their respective idols. Why would you do that? you may ask. Simply because it's both fascinating and creepy. Reading about the things a rational and (apparently) sane person can do in the name of worship will make readers do a self-check and becoming aware if their own obsessions and fanaticism.

Self awareness doesn't even have apply to Kpop alone. Issues like politics, religion and sexuality can start debates and invite over-zealous supporters.

Strong belief could translate to actions. Whether it's good or bad, an adult would know. But just as what Sasaengs proved, you tend to be the worse judge of yourself when you're already deluded.