The rise in crimes enticing K-pop fans with inside information about their favorite stars is alarming. The targets are a subset of K-pop fans who are desperate to know everything about their idol stars. The persistence of such crimes is due to the demand. A shift in perception is needed to establish a healthy K-pop fan culture.

According to industry sources on August 28th, a hacker group from Indonesia recently posted on Telegram about an operation named "OP BTS", offering to trade the phone numbers of BTS members. The term "OP" (operation) is a code hackers use to signify a hacking mission.

The group, mentioning the real names of the members, advertised that if contacted and paid, they would provide the phone numbers of BTS members.

Some fans have become victims of organized crime in their quest to obtain information about famous stars. While the exact purpose of the crime remains unclear, the industry suspects it's primarily for monetary gains.

With the global rise in interest and influence of K-pop, new types of scam crimes related to K-pop are emerging. These crimes target a subset of fans, commonly referred to as "sasaengs". Ultimately, misguided fan passion and the greed of certain criminal groups threaten the private lives of stars.

Invasion of idol stars' privacy has been a chronic issue in K-pop culture. Previously, BTS member Jungkook, during a live broadcast, expressed his gratitude for the support but pleaded, "Please don't come looking for me when I'm exercising. Last time, I was startled. I was heading home after working out, and there were people waiting outside." He added, "I appreciate the interest, but it's not an official schedule, right?"

Another BTS member, RM, was recently reported to have had his train ticket information accessed and leaked by a Korail employee over the past three years. While it's common for sasaeng fans to share celebrities' flight schedules, vehicles, and contact information, the fact that an employee leaked personal information was particularly shocking.

Other incidents include sasaeng fans trespassing into NCT member Haechan's residence and several individuals lurking around KARA's Park Gyuri, causing fear and threats, while she was staying in Japan for her schedule.

Actions under the guise of fandom and affection shouldn't be a free pass for all behaviors. Misguided fan passion is breeding more crimes. Idols find their information leaked against their will, and some even seek it. Ultimately, everyone becomes a target of crime. For the culture to progress, these shadows must be eliminated.

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