5 K-pop Male Idols Who Experienced Cringeworthy Fan-Calls
[TW: mentions of sexual harassment]
K-pop idols are always there for fans when it comes to interaction. From live broadcasts to fan meetings, each one of them has embedded a treasurable memory to every fan. Along the lines of idol-fan engagement, one feature in this topic is that of fan video call.
Similar to how fan meetings work, a fan call initiates interaction with the idol on a screen, usually via phone or any gadget that can work. This style is popular, given how effective it is for international fans, who are out of reach.
While the idea can be wholesome in a parasocial relationship, there are unfortunate times when a fan oversteps an idol's boundaries, leading to eye-soring and cringey moments.
Here are 5 K-pop male idols who went through cringeworthy fan calls!
1. SEVENTEEN Vernon
On this list's first entry is Vernon of SEVENTEEN. In one of the group's fan calls, a fan's gimmick didn't take long enough for Vernon to cringe throughout the session. In this video, the fan had the guts to roleplay a police officer, with the act of arresting of Vernon for being too "hot," and that he had the right to remain "sexy."
As if that wasn't already enough, the fan also instructed poor Vernon to put his hands in the air, and send a "kiss" on call, to which he was visibly weirded out.
2. Stray Kids Han
Han from Stray Kids also went through an uncomfortable moment with a video call winner. In the fan call, the fan complimented Han's voice as "really sexy," to which Han was both surprised and uncomfortable in hearing. Flirtatious terms were also projected by the fan such as "baby." However, Han handled the situation really well. See the video here.
3. NCT Jaehyun
NCTzens are too familiar with NCT Jaehyun's iconic fan-call, where a fan "proposed" to him. The caller started by lowkey quoting lyrics from Bruno Mars' song "Marry You," before asking Jaehyun what she wants to do, to which the idol responded.
Eventually, the caller boldly declared, "Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you," causing second-hand embarrassment within the fandom and Jaehyun. The fan didn't stop there, as she followed up a question, and this time, it was quoted from TWICE's "Yes or Yes."
Luckily, Jaehyun was kind enough to play along with the fan's stunt. However, it was clearly the opposite for NCTzens. Click here to see the call!
4. Stray Kids Hyunjin
Hyunjin's cringeworthy experience with a fan call didn't only receive attention because of its embarrassing nature, but also for themes of cultural differences shown in the video.
In the call, the fan instructed Hyunjin to call her "mommy," to which Hyunjin interpreted as "eomma" and the context of him being the fan's "son."
However, that wasn't the case for international STAYs, as they understood it as something naughty and even considered the fan's actions as sexual harassment. View the video here.
5. NCT Mark
Among the situations listed here, this is probably the least cringey because of its wholesome nature. NCT Mark experienced a splendid, but funny experience with a fan. In their call, the fan gladly sung TWICE's "Feel Special."
During her singing, NCT Mark was shown to be grinning behind, due to the fan's confident and loud performance. Fans were both amused and amazed with the fan's singing, which made Mark smile. See the video here!
Do you know any other K-pop idols who experienced cringey fan interaction? Let us know in the comments below!
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