UPDATE: SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu is facing intense backlash following a controversial incident during a concert in Austin, Texas, on October 21, 2025. The K-pop idol’s decision to take a shot of alcohol with a fan has ignited a heated debate over concert etiquette and alleged favoritism towards Western fans.
During the show, a fan displayed a sign requesting Mingyu to join them for a drink. After acknowledging the request, the idol participated, leading to immediate criticism online. One fan expressed their shock, tweeting, “the shot mingyu took was in our section i was speechless when i saw him drink it wtf 😭.” This incident has raised concerns regarding the safety and appropriateness of such actions in a live performance setting.
Why it matters NOW: The fallout has been swift, with fans questioning the differential treatment by SEVENTEEN’s management, Pledis Entertainment, across different countries. Fans from Southeast Asia (SEA) have voiced their frustrations, citing stricter rules imposed during their concerts compared to the leniency observed in Western shows. Prior to the SEA leg of SEVENTEEN’s world tour, Pledis issued a fan etiquette notice on December 27, 2024, reiterating policies against certain fan interactions, which many felt unfairly targeted them.
In stark contrast, during the Austin concert, SEVENTEEN members engaged in more interactive fan service, including hugs and accepting gifts, actions that SEA fans claim are prohibited in their regions. Critics are accusing the group and management of favoring Western fans, leading to accusations of cultural bias and even racism.
Developing reactions: Social media platforms are abuzz with varied opinions. One user pointed out, “Contrary to popular belief, they don’t even do this much fan service in their home country/other Asian countries.” Others argue that allegations of racism are overstated, emphasizing that SEVENTEEN has historically catered to fans in various regions, albeit with inconsistencies.
As the debate continues, many are calling for a reassessment of how K-pop groups engage with their global audience. Some fans are demanding accountability from Pledis, questioning whether such actions were made with the idol’s consent.
What’s next? SEVENTEEN is set to continue their tour, with the next concert scheduled for Los Angeles. Fans are closely watching how the group will navigate the growing backlash and whether any changes to fan engagement policies will be announced.
The controversy surrounding Mingyu’s alcohol incident highlights the intricate dynamics of K-pop fandom and the cultural expectations that vary across regions. As discussions intensify, the outcome of this situation could have lasting implications on how artists interact with their global fanbase.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
