In a recent and alarming incident at the airport, Red Velvet‘s leader Irene was allegedly injured during a chaotic mobbing by fans and reporters. The beloved star and her group were en route to the Supersound Festival in Thailand, fresh off their performance at Music Core, when they were met with an overwhelming crowd.
Irene on Music Bank. | @preciousrenebae/Twitter
The dedication of Red Velvet’s fanbase, known as ReVeluvs, is well-documented. Still, the scenes that unfolded at the airport were of a nature that no artist or fan would ever want to witness. Hundreds of fans had gathered, leading to a situation that quickly spiraled out of control. Video footage circulating on social media shows the severity of the mobbing, with members, particularly Irene, struggling to navigate through the sea of people.
Red Velvet at Incheon Airport today. | Newsen Red Velvet at Incheon Airport today. | Newsen
The mob was so bad Wendy herself was seen asking fans to give space — a request made in both Korean and English in an attempt to reach international fans present. Despite her polite entreaties, the situation remained fraught. With fans pushing into each other and giving the quintet little space to move forward.
Irene at Incheon airport today on the way to Bangkok #IRENE #아이린 #RedVelvet @RVsmtown pic.twitter.com/N831fbiIux
— Irene 아이린 Global (@irene_global) November 18, 2023
A particularly distressing video posted on Twitter showed Irene being roughly shoved unexpectedly from behind, a move that has sparked outrage among fans online. Admirably, she managed to maintain her composure and smile — a testament to her professionalism and kind-hearted nature toward fans.
the fact that she is expected to smile despite this dangerous situation is so frustrating. do better sm and “fans” pic.twitter.com/UUs9WcvbYH
— 린 (@reneclips) November 18, 2023
WHAT A MESS. SERIOUSLY IS IT THAT HARD TO GIVE THEM SPACE?
irene got pushed. wendy had to tell everyone to be careful- she even said it in korean & english AND they still didn’t listen. what the heck. you can clearly see how uncomfortable they are. this is so infuriating. pic.twitter.com/eQVtA04dW4
— irish (@renedossier) November 18, 2023
However, her stoicism may have belied a more serious issue. Subsequent footage depicted a noticeable change in Irene’s demeanor, as she appeared distressed, walking slowly and leaning on fellow member Seulgi for support. Several fan accounts suggest she may have injured her foot during the incident, raising concerns about her well-being.
It was very crowded for irene and she was hit, i think there’s sth wrong with irene’s feet after the incident pic.twitter.com/tqcAlK8ULk
— t (@joohyunisabae) November 18, 2023
โอ้ยยยยยย พึ่งเห็นว่าเกาะแขนพี่กิละเดินเหมือนกะเผลกเลยง่ะ ขอให้พี่จ๋าไม่เป็นอะไรมาก pic.twitter.com/9DOcfXa8X4
— xoslave (@superbstff) November 18, 2023
Genuinely think this may be the first time we see Seulgi being genuinely pissed off, and this being because of fans is the result of you guys’ selfishness. pic.twitter.com/HaF5SyeKHb
— (@rvparade) November 18, 2023
Irene’s unwavering commitment to engaging with fans, even in the midst of being mobbed — taking letters and gifts — has only increased the fans’ respect for her. Nonetheless, this incident has left many feeling a mix of emotions: admiration for Irene’s strength and resentment towards those who contributed to the chaos.
she took those letters despite being mobbed. she’s too nice and fans took advantage of it pic.twitter.com/ibT1OsE1cO
— BaeBaefan🩷 IRENE era begins (@baebaefan329) November 18, 2023
The event has also led to criticism of SM Entertainment, Red Velvet’s management company, for failing to provide adequate security measures. Fans argue that better planning and protection are necessary, especially in light of the group’s rising popularity and the increasing intensity of public appearances. The lack of security staff was apparent in all videos posted from today’s incident.
It is your duty as a fan to treat the people you support (and their members) with the same respect you expect to be treated with. The behavior seen today is not acceptable under any circumstance.
SM, whose duty it is to protect them, must also take measures to do so. We should…
— Irene 아이린 Global (@irene_global) November 18, 2023
when we talk about mismanagement ppl think is petty little thing but @SMTOWNGLOBAL is cheap with @RVsmtown even when it comes to security. This is not the first time they’ve looked scared, and it’s not the first time irene gets pushed harshly
— ☾ (@pinkchromatica) November 18, 2023
u guys already in korea. you have all the opportunity to see them already. if you want to go to airport to see them, please atleast have a safe distance to avoid mobbing/stampede acting like as if it’s ur first time seeing them mygod
— (@ireneeebaeee) November 18, 2023
[NOTICE]
After the events which occurred today at the Incheon Airport (South Korea), we would like to remind everyone that the members’s safety should always be our priority. Despite the excitement we ask you to not invade Red Velvet’s personal space, especially when they seem…
— SupportRV (@SupportRV) November 18, 2023
In fact, it was reporters who had to help hold fans back and securely accompany the quintet past their gates.
where are their bodyguards?? pic.twitter.com/QqNDsGjBid
— ☼ ☾ ↟ ︎ ☆ (@seurrene_) November 18, 2023
the reporter is working so hard pic.twitter.com/J8ooKzGAM7
— ☼ ☾ ↟ ︎ ☆ (@seurrene_) November 18, 2023
this is just not it???? even the reporters were very concerned and even helped the managers to protect the girls…. pic.twitter.com/w8LK8viX0G
— t (@joyisthetics) November 18, 2023
As fans await updates on Irene’s condition, hoping she isn’t hurt too badly, they have taken online to condemn the fans who contributed to the incident and SM Entertainment for not offering appropriate protective measures for their girl group. While the incident has yet again shone a light on Irene’s admirable character, it has also exposed the darker side of fandom culture and the lapses in security protocols.
