Malaysian Fans Head Overseas For K-Pop Events In Light Of Government Response To B1A4 Controversy

Devoted K-pop fans in Malaysia are willing to go overseas to attend concerts should their government continue to impose strict regulations that discourage Korean acts from visiting and performing in the country.

The regulations - which limit how idols can dress, behave and perform on stage - are widely seen as deterrents to future idol visits and performances.

The regulations were issued by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) after a controversy erupted when tudung-clad Malay girls were filmed being hugged and kissed by K-pop boy group B1A4 on stage at a mini-concert fan meeting in Kuala Lumpur this past January.

In response to the news, Jakim issued stricter regulations on K-pop acts and also banned prominent concert organizer TGM Events. The department also called for legal action against B1A4 and the arrest of the female fans due to perceived uncacceptable behavior.

If concert organizers lay low and idols choose to skip Malaysia in their overseas visits and concerts due to the stricter regulations, local fans have expressed their intent to fly out to other countries to meet their favorite K-pop stars.

"A lot of the K-pop fans will not hesitate to go overseas to watch their idols perform if the artists do not want to come here due to the strict ruling by the authorities," said Venus, an administrator for a local online K-pop fan club, reports The Malaysian Insider.

Fans also bristled at some of the more restrictive guidelines such as gender segregation for audiences at K-pop concerts and shows, and restriction against wearing sexy clothes on stage.

"How sure are they that by segregating, problems like before can be avoided?" said Mia, a K-pop fan, to The Malaysian Insider.

"I don't have any problems with the guidelines, but it has to be implemented slowly. We also have a lot of non-Muslims here in Malaysia, and they don't mind if the artists wear sexy attire," added Mia.

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