Celebrities Are Someone's Family Too: Reflection on Fan Interactions with Aespa's Jang Won-young and GOT7's Jackson
"Celebrities are also someone's precious family."
This is a message I would like to convey to some individuals who have been speaking ill of the reactions shown by Jang Won-young of Aespa and Jackson of GOT7, startled by the sudden approach of fans. Celebrities are crucial figures in our society, providing the public with enjoyment and helping alleviate various negative emotions, including stress. It's an occupation deserving respect, and criticizing or expressing disappointment over actions that didn't suit their preferences is overly self-centered. It's questionable whether these individuals would have reacted the same way if these celebrities were their own family members.
Jang Won-young recently encountered a situation where a young boy approached her while she was moving between schedules with her fellow members and tried to touch her. Startled, Jang swiftly avoided the boy and left the scene. Some members of a mothers' online community criticized her response as unfriendly, commenting that "she could have made the boy feel better," and "a single smile could have been a precious memory for the child." The problem arose with subsequent personal attacks, including statements like "you can see someone's character even if you don't have any experience with them," and "just by looking at her eyes, I can tell her character is not good."
Regardless of her celebrity status, Jang Won-young's reaction was not exaggerated; it was a natural human response. The boy unexpectedly sprung towards her, not during a meet-and-greet event but in transit. The boy's behavior was excessive, and this minor incident escalated into a wave of prolonged criticism directed at Jang. At this point, one has to question the purpose of these critiques.
Jackson faced a sudden situation in Bangkok, Thailand, due to a female fan. As Jackson was about to get into a car after an event, a woman suddenly appeared and tried to pull him out by tugging on his shirt. Though she was restrained by security, Jackson's surprised reaction was captured on video. In the footage, Jackson can be seen looking at the woman with a shocked and uncomfortable expression for about three seconds.
Fans naturally want to get closer to the figures they've admired on TV and create special memories. However, these situations often contain polarities. Fans should consider the perspective of their beloved stars and control any behaviors that could be deemed excessive. In the exchange between fans and stars, it's necessary not only to consider one's position but also to empathize with the other party. We must not forget that understanding both sides forms the foundation of a healthy relationship.
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