The recent laser pointer incident has added to the concerns surrounding the Stray Kids’ fan meet happening in China, which was already facing some instability. On July 16, the fan meet was held in Qingdao, China where Felix and Bang Chan were attacked with laser pointers by anti-fans. Last month, some users targeted Felix on Weibo threatening to harm him and other members.
Since such threats are common, JYP Entertainment did not respond or take any action against such fans. Even since some disturbing posts from anti-fans went viral, STAYs urged JYPE to take action against threats or cancel the event altogether.
Prior to the offline fan sign event, all fans gathered across all social media platforms to create a movement for the protection of Stray Kids. Soon after the fan meet, several videos went viral where Felix, Bang Chan, and the staff members were seen being targeted by the laser. It appeared that the laser was targeted at the said member to harm their eyesight.
Cstays sound so terrified. This is so concerning
JYPE PROTECT YOUR ARTISTS#JYPEPROTECTSKZ #ProtectStrayKids #ProtectBangChan @jypnation @stay_supportpic.twitter.com/wqC09s5ek6— Still Chan’s laptop ∞⁸ (@skzeveryhere) July 18, 2023
As a result, fans protested against JYP Entertainment for the lack of protection for the K-pop group. At the moment, multiple hashtags are trending on Twitter and other platforms, fans are demanding stronger security measures for the K-pop group. Fans are also calling out JYP Entertainment to address the threats and take appropriate action.
In the viral videos, fans are screaming louder to alert Felix, Bang Chan, and the staff members of the laser pointer. The anti-fans continued to point lasers even after the idols safely got into the car. Even after such disturbing videos, JYP has not released a statement that is agitating the fans further.
Before the fan meet and the disturbing incidents, a chilling social media post went viral which hinted at the possibility of such an incident. The anti-fan shared images of a green laser light and wrote “I will use it on Felix (blindness is temporary don’t worry) Regarding the rest (other members) let’s see who gets nominated the most in the comments maybe I’ll consider.”
Fans are furious as JYP overlooked such clear threats and put the safety of the Stray Kids members at risk. Such threats started surfacing online the moment when the fan sign event was scheduled. After connecting the dots, fans opine that it could have actually happened as the anti-fans kept pointing lasers at the members even after they got in their cars.
Videos from the fan meet are amassing huge viewership with more and more fans calling out JYP for security upgrades.