IVE's Yujin was reportedly touched without her consent by a fan at Incheon International Airport on Thursday, as the group prepared for their overseas schedules.
The incident occurred amid the group's departure to Shanghai, China, for a fan meeting event. A video shared by media outlets captured the moment when the fan reached out and made physical contact with Yujin, prompting the idol to turn and look at the individual.
However, the fan later defended their actions on social media, claiming the touch was accidental. They explained that they were adjusting their phone's zoom settings when someone behind them pushed them, causing their hand to make contact with Yujin. The fan also emphasized that her bias—which means their favorite member—was Jang Wonyoung.
"Did you not see me adjust my phone to film Jang Wonyoung later on? If I really wanted to grope, the security didn't block me off so why wouldn't I grope Jang Wonyoung instead? Why would I grope someone I have no interest in?" the fan said.
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The incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter security protocols to protect idols during public appearances, particularly at airports, where such interactions are common. Fans and netizens expressed concern over the lack of barriers or proper crowd control, which often leaves idols vulnerable to intrusive behavior.
This is not the first time IVE has faced challenges related to privacy and security. Earlier this year, the group's agency, Starship Entertainment, faced backlash for sharing deepfake content of Yujin and fellow member Wonyoung on social media. The agency issued multiple apologies and took disciplinary action against the staff member responsible for the post.
In May 2024, Wonyoung received a specific online death threat, prompting Starship Entertainment to report the incident to the police and enhance her security. The agency enlisted additional professional security personnel, reviewed travel routes, and vowed to take strong legal action against such threats.
