NCT WISH member Zion is facing an unexpected backlash online following his appearance at a KIA Tigers baseball game.
On May 24, Sion attended the game between the KIA Tigers and SSG Landers at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field as part of the team’s “True Fan Relay First Pitch” event. Since the idol is known to be a long-time supporter of the KIA Tigers, many fans initially celebrated his participation, especially after the team secured a 3–2 victory that day.
However, the positive atmosphere quickly changed after several online posts accused some NCT WISH fans of disruptive behavior inside the stadium.
A viral post on the Korean forum theqoo reportedly garnered complaints from baseball fans who attended the game. According to the posts, some fans crowded the corridors, focusing entirely on Sion filming instead of watching the match, occupying seats that were not theirs and leaving rubbish behind after leaving the stadium.
Several baseball fans also said that many idol fans exited the venue immediately after Zion’s appearance ended, fueling criticism that they only attended for the celebrity event rather than the baseball game itself.
A complaint circulating online claimed that security staff had been brought in after fans refused to move from crowded areas. Another baseball fan criticized what he described as excessive camera equipment blocking spectators’ views during the game.
Photos of cups and trash left near seating areas also spread on social media, with some baseball fans saying they personally stayed there to clean up afterward.
As the controversy grew, many netizens argued that fans’ public bad behavior can negatively affect the image of the idol they support, even if the celebrities themselves have done nothing wrong.
Some comments specifically expressed disappointment that Sion was reportedly invited due to his genuine support of the KIA Tigers, making the situation more unfortunate for both the idol and baseball fans.
The backlash then expanded into broader criticism aimed at parts of the NCT WISH fandom, with some online users saying the group’s fans have repeatedly been embroiled in disputes over public etiquette at public events and spaces.
Despite the heated reactions, Sion himself was not accused of taking part in any inappropriate behavior during the event.
Instead, the controversy has reignited discussions within K-pop communities about fan etiquette, shared public spaces and the growing tension that sometimes emerges when idol fandom culture overlaps with other entertainment environments such as sporting events.
Sources: Koreaboo
