Netizens Raise Concerns For aespa’s Lack Of Proper Security At The Airport
aespa recently unexpectedly flew to Australia to reportedly film content for the group and a new music video, according to Korean news reports. What was an exciting update for fans turned into concern after the group was swarmed at the airport after their quick trip to Sydney.
aespa was unexpectedly sighted out and about in Sydney this week, seemingly confirming Korean media reports that the group was filming new content in Australia.
The news was a surprise to fans, as the schedule was unannounced before MYs realized the talented quartet was out of the country.
aespa is so mysterious sometimes that it’s actually hilarious like wdym they are flying to australia today and we still have NO idea what this whole trip is about
— fer (@yjkwinter) November 27, 2022
Despite fans finding out the group was in Australia at the last minute, a large crowd gathered at Kingsford Smith airport in Sydney to see the group before their return to Korea.
281122 Kingsford Smith airport ( Sydney Airport)
byebye!tiny fist 🤜🏻 🥺#WINTER #윈터 #aespa #에스파 pic.twitter.com/lcJEltllyY
— Henie (@heniehae) November 28, 2022
In videos of the group navigating the airport, MYs were surprised to see that aespa appeared only to be accompanied by two or three staff members acting as the group’s security.
Videos showed the members struggling to walk through the crowds of people around them as their staff members politely asked for the surrounding crowd to give them space.
#aespa in Sydney 💜💜💜💜 #Giselle #Ningning #Karina #Winter pic.twitter.com/PjnXD1fnJH
— ❄️❄️ (@sswg77) November 27, 2022
The chaotic scene didn’t end in Australia. Once aespa landed back in Seoul, they were again mobbed by people who crossed boundaries with the artists.
The members walked with phones only inches away from their faces. Fans who were at the airport reported that there was pushing, and the members appeared fearful.
이렇게 얼굴 바로 앞에 폰카 들이미는 게 맞아??? 밀고 붙고 난리나서 몇 명은 넘어지고 밀쳐지고 질서 엉망돼서 멤버들은 겁 먹으면서 걸어가는데…. pic.twitter.com/T696umRm4o
— 김햄지 (@kimhamgi) December 1, 2022
Many fans rushed towards the members with gifts, which the members thoughtfully accepted along the way.
Video of NINGNING receiving gifts from fans in Incheon Airport 😭😭#NINGNING #닝닝 #宁艺卓 #宁宁 #ニンニン #에스파 #aespa pic.twitter.com/TwFA3KwkJm
— 🍋° (@for_nyz) December 1, 2022
Again, aespa was seen with only a few security personnel compared to the size of the crowd that had gathered to see the members.
Fans grew increasingly frustrated at the apparent lack of adequate security for the popular group. They wondered why SM Entertainment hasn’t taken action despite this being a recurring issue for aespa.
sm needs to do better with security but fans themselves also need to be more mindful and refrain from putting the girls in any danger…give them some space please.
— —𝒎. (@aespanim) December 1, 2022
i need sm to realize that aespa’s popularity/demand increases everyday…you can not send them to the airport to depart/arrive with such little amount of security and people to protect them this is ridiculous that phones and ppl are being shoved into the girls and others around https://t.co/SvxdCbzh7K
— ✰ (@wntrult) December 1, 2022
This isn’t the first time aespa has been mobbed at the airport. In July, aespa was swarmed by fans, and Giselle appeared to be injured while the group struggled through the crowd.
i don't exactly know what happened but giselle was clearly in pain at the incheon airport today and from the fantaken video you clearly can see her limping i hope there's nothing serious but this broke my heart :( pic.twitter.com/NbJbFvf4DZ
— ✧ (@uchgaeri) July 10, 2022
Fans are hoping that SM Entertainment will provide aespa with more security as the already popular group’s public recognition and fanbase continue to grow by the day.
Check out the article below for more about the time NingNing stepped up at the airport to become an unofficial bodyguard for the group.