SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu Faces Backlash Over Alcohol Incident at Concert

SEVENTEEN’s recent concert in Austin, Texas, has ignited significant debate surrounding concert etiquette and perceived favoritism towards Western fans. During the performance on October 22, 2025, Mingyu was seen taking a shot of alcohol after a fan requested him to do so via a sign. This action has sparked criticism regarding the appropriateness and safety of such behavior in a public setting.

The incident has led to a broader discussion among fans about the disparities in treatment between fan interactions in different regions. Many fans from Southeast Asian (SEA) countries have expressed their frustration, pointing to a notable difference in the group’s approach to fan engagement in various locations. Before the SEA leg of their “Right Here” world tour, which is set to begin on January 18, 2025, Pledis Entertainment issued a fan etiquette notice emphasizing restrictions on gifts and other interactions. This notice, released on December 27, 2024, followed complaints from previous concerts in Japan.

Fans in SEA countries have alleged that the rules appear to be stricter compared to those in Western nations. They highlighted instances during the Austin concert where members of SEVENTEEN engaged in more open fan interactions, such as hugging fans and accepting gifts, actions that they claim are often discouraged in their home countries. One fan tweeted, “Contrary to popular belief, they don’t even do this much fan service in their home country or other Asian countries,” suggesting a disparity that some perceive as favoritism.

Critics have gone further, labeling this trend as a form of racism, asserting that it reflects an “inlander mentality” that prioritizes Western validation over fans from other regions. One user noted, “It feels like they are chasing Western validation,” a sentiment echoed by others who feel marginalized by the group’s apparent preferential treatment towards Western audiences.

On the other hand, some fans have defended SEVENTEEN, arguing that the group has made efforts to connect with fans worldwide, including accepting gifts during performances in other countries. They pointed to instances where SEVENTEEN members have engaged similarly with fans in SEA nations, stating that the allegations of favoritism might overlook the group’s broader touring history, which has included limited visits to Western countries.

The controversy continues to grow as fans on social media engage in heated discussions regarding the actions of SEVENTEEN and the policies set by their management. Some have pointed out the inconsistency of the group’s engagements, while others argue that the criticism directed at Pledis Entertainment may not fully consider the complexities of the K-Pop industry and its global fanbase.

As SEVENTEEN prepares for future performances, the dialogue surrounding their concert etiquette and engagement with fans remains a prominent topic, illustrating the challenges that arise when cultural expectations and global fan interactions intersect. The ongoing discussions highlight the importance of understanding diverse cultural contexts in the realm of entertainment.