Sasaeng Fans (사생 팬)

= Sasaeng fans (사생 팬) =  

What are sasaeng fans? Why are they a problem?
Sasaeng fans are obsessive fans who stalk, try to engage with or even harm Korean idols. These types of fans can be hard to deal with considering that the idol(s) could lose fans if they treat them rudely and taking legal action isn’t seen as the best option because the fine for stalking in korea is ₩100,000. Sasaeng fans also affect agencies, agencies fear that sasaeng fans will find out sensitive information about the idols. These fans are truly harmful to all, even themselves by writing in their own blood or carving words on their body.



Why do they do this?
You might have the question “why do they obsess over these idols?” It’s the desire to get noticed by your favourite idol or to know more about them to feel closer to them. The desire to get noticed by your favourite idol is not an unusual one, but sasaengs are more motivated to complete that goal, the goal to know more. They have a dream in their head and will do anything to accomplish that dream. The idols could also serve as a source of something that the fan doesn't have in their life, almost like a coping mechanism.

What about the idols?
There are many times where idols, and their loved ones have felt threatened or were harmed because of these fans. Take Jackson Wang and Kim Heechul as examples. Both of these Idols were harmed because of these types of fans. How you ask? By getting in a car accident trying to escape said fans. Taecyeon? Taecyeon received a letter written in blood with the words, “You can’t live without me.” The fan later said the blood was from her period, and that she isn’t a sasaeng fan and was very sorry. Many idols try to deal with sasaengs as carefully as they can, not trying to anger them. They take to social media asking to be given privacy or take legal action.