Due to the distance formed between K-Pop labels and fanbases, fans have had to devise unique ways to voice their concerns and support their favorite idols. One such method is sending trucks with messages to entertainment companies — a form of protest that has gained popularity in recent times. These trucks, often emblazoned with banners and digital screens, are used to express fans’ demands or discontent with company decisions regarding their idols.
| @psychoshimai/Twitter
The truck trend was evident in the recent situation involving Wendy from Red Velvet, where fans expressed concerns over SM Entertainment‘s influence on her musical direction. ReVeluvs have always been vocal about their desire for Wendy to have more creative freedom in her music and some were considering sending trucks in front of SM’s building to make it known.
| @todayis_wendy/Instagram
The issue isn’t new for Red Velvet fans — they have previously sent protest trucks to the SM Entertainment building to demand more activities for the group and better promotions.
Exo truck RV truck
SM you’re shameless fr pic.twitter.com/enTN3lawR8
— (@empathly_) July 18, 2023
The ongoing debate took a turn during a recent video call with Wendy. A fan, referring to Red Velvet’s upcoming 10th-anniversary comeback, half-jokingly asked if they should send messages to SM or place protest trucks outside the company. Wendy’s response was immediate and clear.
Fan: Do the fans have to like get up and message SM and place trucks up there? Should we do that?
Wendy: No, no, no, no, no! Come on, no more trucks no more emails. No more trucks, no more emails. Come on, It’s been 10 years for us. We can handle it, we got some power!
| @todayis_wendy/Instagram
The interaction suggests that Wendy, and perhaps other idols as well, might view these fan protests as unnecessary or potentially counterproductive.
Fan: I know I’m just kidding cause that’s how everybody does it now…
Wendy: Yeah I know.
wendy knows abt the trucks???
“no more trucks, no more emails. it’s been 10 years, we can handle it. we got some power.” pic.twitter.com/hzOPCpa0aD
— aceu (@iampochimon) January 14, 2024
Wendy’s reaction has sparked a new discussion among fans. While some believe that these truck and email campaigns are crucial for voicing fan concerns, others are now questioning if such actions might do more harm than good. Wendy’s swift discouragement of these tactics indicates a preference for dealing with company issues internally, without external fan pressure.
Sorry wendy the trucks are needed your center not doing a good job
— ‘s rain stops (@soloistsw) January 14, 2024
yeah i get it the last time yall sent trucks for the group it resulted in her solo comeback getting delayed https://t.co/9xfU6XssGR
— lou (@ultshon) January 14, 2024
girl then why did you say “i cant do the genre i want to” like 3 days ago https://t.co/j3ldujKvAe pic.twitter.com/KZuQsGmKle
— َ🪼 (@AHRIRENE) January 14, 2024
idols pulling up to work just to find 4 new trucks their fans sent blocking the company’s parking entry again
pic.twitter.com/jMxPLx2nqk https://t.co/ii1cgncW7L
— aerina (@aerinagirls) January 14, 2024
Meanwhile, others argue that such a question can put idols in a difficult position. There is no easy answer for Wendy, as agreeing to such protests could strain their relationship with their management, while disagreeing might disappoint fans who believe these actions are necessary.
her response was graceful…making sure fans don’t have to bear the weight (cost of trucks/time for emails) and responsibility of what SM should already be doing but taking her words out of context and using her words against her (and rv) is simply nasty
— rbb (@_renedys) January 14, 2024
this was said with a gun pointed at her so MORE TRUCKS COMING https://t.co/G7SpBcrzJw pic.twitter.com/y0IC2MLASj
— es (@koogikoo) January 14, 2024
reveluv lets change our method!! SET THE BUILDING ON FIRE https://t.co/dd9UC3RRKy pic.twitter.com/Owvx6VxyNE
— ara ♡ (@adoreyerm) January 14, 2024
As fans digest Wendy’s message, it remains to be seen how this will impact the future of truck protests in the K-Pop industry. Her comments have certainly added a new dimension to the conversation about fan protest and its effects on idols’ careers and relationships with their companies.
