Recently, several idols have been spotted in unusual situations at the airport.
In two accidents involving two different people SM Entertainment groups, the agency found itself in trouble regarding the improper management of idols at airports.
The first incident concerns NCT127 (New Zealand) member Jaehyun.
On September 4, the group made their first public appearance since Taeilscandal, arriving at Incheon Airport to go to Jakarta for a fan meeting. While waiting for his flight at the airport, Jaehyun was seen lounging on the public benches in the lounge.
On the same day, the photos of Aespa member Winter surfaced at a US airport, where she was seen crouched on the airport floor surrounded by her shopping bags, presumably while waiting for her flight.
These were unusual performances for idols like Winter or Jaehyun. The norm in these cases is for the management to arrange private waiting rooms for idols. Thus, SM Entertainment came under fire because many fans felt that they were unable to provide the right facilities for their artists. Many also argued that resting in such public areas endangered the idols’ safety, especially because of sasaeng fans.SM Entertainment has not yet responded to the criticism.