During the COVID-19 pandemic, when restrictions barred artists from meeting fans in person, K-Pop idols found a way to stay engaged with their fandoms, and video call events rose in popularity.
In creating the newer form of artist-to-fan communication, companies worked to establish guidelines to protect the artists during the fan calls, and in turn, netizens established their own fan etiquette for calls, looking to make the often too-short experience memorable for both fans and artists.
(Top row, from left:) Stray Kids’ Lee Know, Felix, Seungmin, Bang Chan, and Han (Bottom row, from left:) Hyunjin, I.N, and Changbin | @Stray_Kids/Twitter
Since fan calls began, there have been multiple instances of fan call winners taking advantage of their opportunity to chat with artists by being disrespectful or inappropriately communicating with the artist.
At times, the artists’ staff members have had to step in and prematurely end the call, but it often happens when it’s too late.
Behind-the-scenes look of WINNER and staff monitoring a fan call event
Recently, a clip of a fan call with Stray Kids‘ Felix went viral as netizens reacted to the heartbreaking and unnecessary situation the Stray Kids member found himself in.
The OP (original poster) shared the fan call on TikTok, in which they told Felix that they needed to apologize to him. When Felix looked confused, OP explained that he used to be her bias, but they now favored another member.
Your browser does not support video.Stray Kids’ Felix during his video call with OP | @jin.karii/TikTok
Felix remained professional, smiling while responding to OP’s confession, attempting to lighten the mood by saying that he was used to being “cheated” on.
It’s okay. I mean, that’s fine. It’s just like- basically, you’re with me and then you cheated on me. I’m used to it.
— Stray Kids’ Felix
FELIX WAS TREATED DISRESPECTFULLY IN A FANCALL TODAY
A “STAY” was rude to Felix then laughed on his face
Fancall events must be safe places for fans and idols, but JYPE & FANDOM DO NOT GIVE FELIX THE BARE MINIMUM TREATMENT!
JYPE PROTECT FELIX#RESPECT_FELIX pic.twitter.com/2C1EseN0ot
— Protect FεIix (@Protect_FLX) December 16, 2023
As STAYs reacted to what many deemed a disrespectful fan call, trending “JYPE PROTECT FELIX” and “RESPECT_FELIX” in support of the Stray Kids member while calling for their company, JYP Entertainment, to better field fan calls to protect their artists.
Netizens are hoping there will be more proactive measures in place for future events to make video calls a safer space for idols and fans to enjoy.
“I’m used to it”
We don’t dare to imagine how many times “Stays” disrespected Felix in fancalls, in Message, Community,…
It’s sad that Stays are Felix’s first priority but we don’t give him the love and support he deserves.
JYPE PROTECT FELIX#RESPECT_FELIX @jypnation pic.twitter.com/JZ6k7p6QAm
— Felix 필릭스 Central (@FLXCentral) December 16, 2023
wasting your fancall with someone you’re supposed to love just to basically laugh in his face by telling him he’s not your favorite idol anymore is weird and not funny at all why would you disrespect him like that?
JYPE PROTECT FELIX#RESPECT_FELIX
— (@loviebokie) December 16, 2023
JYPE’s silent treatment has only been indulging this kind of behavior. Please protect Felix and treat him fairly.#WELOVEYOUFELIX
JYPE PROTECT FELIX
JYPE 필릭스를 보호해#ProtectFelix #JYPE_악성글_고소해 @stay_support#RESPECT_FELIX @jypnation pic.twitter.com/ffoUdsUQ4W
— Felix Lee China (@FelixLeeChina) December 16, 2023
Fan etiquette is a regularly debated topic regarding video call events, with netizens often calling for change after “disrespectful” and “uncomfortable” fan calls.
This isn’t the first time Felix has been subjected to a fan call that netizens have deemed “disrespectful” and “uncomfortable.”
See more on that in the article below:
