Subscribe
E-Paper
 |
| Fans of Korean boy band EXO protest in front of SM TOWN Coex Artium in Seoul, Sunday, demanding Chen leave the group. / Yonhap |
By Kwak Yeon-soo
The surprise marriage announcement by Chen, a member of boy band EXO, has divided fans and critics so intensely that it has not only sparked an internet flame war but a walkout protest.
On Sunday, about 30 fans gathered near SM TOWN Coex Artium in Seoul holding banners that read "Chen Out," demanding the singer leave the group.
A self-proclaimed fan surnamed Lee, who participated in the protest, said the star, 28, should apologize to fans for letting them down.
"I think Chen owes us an apology," she said. "He should feel sorry for his fans, who have devoted their time and money for EXO. Disappointingly, he did not utter a single word to express he's sorry in the letter."
The fan community ― who refer to themselves as EXO-L ACE ― released a statement earlier, urging label SM Entertainment to expel Chen from the group.
"Such an unexpected move from Chen not only breaks the trust between the singer and the fans but also is a selfish choice that shows no respect for the group," it said.
The controversy came a week after Chen confirmed Jan. 13 that he would marry his pregnant girlfriend, who is not a celebrity.
"I have a girlfriend, with whom I want to share the rest of my life," he said in a handwritten letter to his fans. "I had been consulting with my company and members on how to break this news to our fans who have been so supportive of us throughout. In this process, a 'blessing' came to us."
But Chen's loyal fans have taken to Twitter to show their unwavering support for the singer by using several hashtags such as #Chen_Stays and #MyAnswerIsEXO9.
A fan community called EXO Global said, "For EXO, as an artist and human being, we will always cheer for your happiness above all."
Just like his fans, critical opinions remain split over the latest controversy.
"I think it's pretty natural for fans to have intense debate about whether idols can get married or not," said culture critic Jung Deok-hyun. "Today, fans act like managers because they feel a sense of responsibility for keeping their idols' brands."
Yet, another culture critic, Ha Jae-keun, expressed discontent over some fans' overreaction.
"I understand that fans can become anti-fans, but fans demanding an artist quit and leave the group is extremely harsh and problematic," Ha said.
"Fans don't have any right to pose a threat to an idol, especially when the member didn't commit a crime or conduct an immoral act. It's called 'gapjil,' or a Korean term that refers to abuse of power."
