Red Velvet's Irene Faces Criticism

In a shocking turn of events, Red Velvet leader Irene is facing criticism over her recent solo fan sign event, where attendees reported inappropriate behavior from the security staff.

Event Details and Security Procedures

On December 7, at the highly anticipated signing event following Irene's solo debut on November 26 with her album "Like A Flower," fans were subjected to a series of invasive procedures that have since sparked outrage on social media.

A user recounted their acquaintance's experience, stating that before fans could meet Irene, they were put through a physical check by security personnel. Allegations emerged that this process was not only thorough but crossed the line into uncomfortable territory. Fans were reportedly required to roll up their sleeves and jump in place, with one staff member allegedly seeking permission to touch areas of the attendee's body, including below the collarbone.

"This kind of invasive security is simply unnecessary at a fansign event," the user lamented. "Even if they didn't touch me directly, the entire situation was uncomfortable and wholly unreasonable."

Strange Restrictions on Attendees

Compounding the issue were strange restrictions placed on attendees, such as the prohibition of writing notes or questions on paper, forcing fans to jot their thoughts on their hands. Yet, in a bewildering twist, they were instructed to erase their handwritten notes before engaging with Irene.

While the disappointed fan acknowledged that measures may have been taken for security reasons, they expressed their frustration, noting that it felt unjust for loyal fans to undergo such scrutiny after spending significant money to attend. “I really hope that incidents like this won’t happen again,” they added, highlighting that it took away from what should have been a celebratory experience.

Staff Member's Gender Does Not Alleviate Discomfort

Interestingly, the critic specified that the staff member involved was a woman, emphasizing that this distinction did not alleviate the uncomfortable nature of the experience. “The discomfort remains, regardless of the gender of the staff member," they concluded.

Irene's Success Despite Backlash

Irene's solo album has been a commercial success, breaking records with over 330,000 copies sold in its first week and dominating the iTunes Top Albums chart across 23 regions, as well as ranking first in digital album sales on China’s QQ Music platform.

Looking Ahead

As the backlash continues to grow, it remains to be seen how the agency will address these serious concerns and ensure the safety and comfort of fans at future events. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!