| &TEAM group members pose on bicycles. Courtesy of HYBE |
By Jung Han-byul
The organizer of a HYBE autograph event has apologized for what fans described as invasive body searches that were conducted by security staff at the venue.
In a statement released on Sunday, Weverse said “We would like to apologize to all the fans who attended &TEAM's autograph signing event on Sunday for the body searches conducted by female security personnel on-site.”
Weverse Shop added that the pat downs were used to screen for electronic devices that could have been used to illegally film and record the fan event. Weverse Shop also made note that fans who had attended similar events organized in the past had actively cooperated with these measures.
The organizer went on to explain, “On Saturday however, many concealed electronic devices were brought into the venue and body searches were conducted by female security personnel as a result. We apologize to all the fans at the event who may have felt uncomfortable and disturbed by what transpired. The fans didn't deserve to receive that kind of treatment even if it was for valid security reasons. We sincerely offer our apology once more.”
Weverse Shop vowed to prevent such occurrences from happening again in the future by adopting contactless screening methods. The organizer also promised efforts to create a more enjoyable atmosphere for the fans in similar future events.
The controversy began when fans expressed their dismay on various online forums and social media platforms regarding &TEAM's autograph signing event on Saturday. They claimed many people attending the event were subject to invasive body searches, including underwear inspections. One user alleged that staff members at the event were checking for hidden electronic devices by manhandling fans and poking and prodding their underwear in a way bordering on sexual harassment.
&TEAM is HYBE's first Japanese boy band which released their second mini-album “First Howling: WE” on June 14.
Jung Han-byul (onestar101@hankookilbo.com) is a reporter at The Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times. This article, previously published in The Hankook Ilbo, has been translated as part of a news-sharing program.