SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu Faces Backlash Amidst Fan Treatment Concerns
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A recent incident involving SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu and allegations of differing fan treatment are sparking debate within the K-pop community. The controversy began after Mingyu accepted a shot of alcohol from a fan during a concert in Austin, Texas, on October 22, 2025, prompting concerns about responsible behavior and safety. However, the incident quickly broadened into accusations of favoritism towards Western fans, with some alleging unequal standards enforced by the group’s agency, Pledis Entertainment, across different regions.
Alcohol Controversy at Austin Concert
During the first night of SEVENTEEN’s two-night concert run in Austin, Texas, Mingyu was offered and accepted a shot of alcohol from a fan. One concertgoer described the moment on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “the shot mingyu took was in our section i was speechless when i saw him drank it wtf 😭.” This action immediately drew criticism, with many questioning the appropriateness of an idol consuming alcohol offered by a fan.
Disparate Treatment Allegations Emerge
Beyond the alcohol incident, a core complaint centers on perceived differences in how SEVENTEEN and Pledis interact with fans in Southeast Asian (SEA) countries versus those in the West. Fans in SEA countries claim to be subject to stricter regulations, citing a fan etiquette notice released by Pledis on December 27, 2024, ahead of the group’s Right Here world tour leg in the region beginning January 18, 2025. The notice reiterated rules regarding stalking, gift-giving, and general conduct.
Many fans felt the timing of the notice, coming after issues in Japan and before the SEA tour dates, was specifically targeted at SEA fans. “We’ve been blaming pledis but do u really think they released fan etiquette without SVT knowing?” one fan questioned on X. Reports have surfaced of members hugging fans and accepting gifts at recent concerts in the U.S. and Los Angeles – interactions that fans claim would not be permitted in SEA countries. A photo circulating online shows SHUA trading his jacket for a fan’s Labubu toy, further fueling the debate.
Accusations of Favoritism and “Inlander Mentality”
The alleged disparity in treatment has led to accusations of favoritism and even racism. “Fans have accused the group and Pledis of showing favoritism to fans in Western countries, even calling it racism,” one observer noted. Some argue the issue isn’t necessarily racism, but rather a perceived “inlander mentality” where Western cultures are unduly praised. “Contrary to popular belief, they don’t even do this much fan service in their home country/other Asian countries,” one fan wrote on X. “So idk if it’s considered as actual racism but more like them having some kind of inlander mentality where they praise the west regardless of race, ethnicity, etc…”
Another user echoed this sentiment, stating, “SVT can accept gifts n do free fan signs for Western fans but no for SEA It feels like they r chasing Western validation, honestly it comes across as low-key racist toward SEA fans…”
Counterarguments and Nuance
However, not all fans agree with these accusations. Some point to instances where SEVENTEEN has accepted gifts or engaged in similar fan service in other locations. Others highlight the group’s limited touring history in Western countries, noting that SEVENTEEN toured only in Korea and Japan from 2022-2024 and has yet to hold a tour in Europe. One fan shared a photo of Hoshi accepting a gift during a concert in the Philippines, challenging the narrative of exclusive Western fan service.
Furthermore, some have questioned the timing of the complaints regarding the fan etiquette notice, pointing out that a fansign in China occurred just two days after the notice was posted, almost a month before the SEA tour began.
The situation remains fluid, with passionate arguments on both sides. As SEVENTEEN continues its world tour, the group and Pledis Entertainment will likely face continued scrutiny regarding their interactions with fans and the perception of equitable treatment across their global fanbase.
