SM Entertainment, the agency behind K-pop group NCT, has issued a strong statement calling for fans to respect the members' privacy, citing increasing incidents of severe personal space violations and safety threats.
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| Photo Credit - @NCTsmtown |
In an official post shared on Weverse, the agency addressed multiple recent issues, including unauthorized contact at airports and onboard flights, illegal access to artists' personal information, and even uninvited visits to their residences.
"Disorderly behavior during international travel is causing serious inconvenience and safety risks for both the artists and the public," the agency said, asking fans to refrain from actions like excessive physical contact, unsolicited conversations, and filming in airport security zones and airplanes.
The agency also revealed that some individuals had used stolen personal data to change or cancel NCT members' flight bookings. "Such acts constitute obstruction of business and may result in legal action, including claims for damages," SM warned.
Fans were further urged to avoid non-official schedules and to respect all private spaces, including accommodations, stressing that these are essential for the artists' rest and personal life. "Waiting near hotels or recording private outings—especially during overseas schedules—is a serious violation of privacy," the statement emphasized.
Additionally, SM condemned dangerous behaviors such as blocking or tailing artists' vehicles, warning they pose risks not only to NCT members but also to the public.
This announcement follows several past incidents, including legal action taken by SM against a fan who impersonated a delivery worker to obtain an NCT member’s personal details—an act that led to a court-imposed fine.
SM concluded by reiterating the importance of a respectful fan culture, calling for cooperation to ensure both artist safety and fandom integrity.