A long-term fan of singer Heo Young-saeng, formerly of the group SS501, who has supported him for 16 years, announced their decision to stop being a fan, pointing out deception toward fans and inadequate response.
On Thursday, the operator of "Forever Young," a long-standing fan page for Heo Young-saeng, shared a lengthy post on social media platforms such as Instagram announcing the closure of the account and their declaration of de-fanning.
The author began by saying, "It is truly surprising to me that the urban legend that opening a birthday cafe would lead to de-fanning has been proven true."
She said that on Oct. 3, to mark Heo Young-saeng's birthday, she had prepared a birthday cafe for six months while balancing it with his main job, using his own funds.
After preparing the birthday cafe, she said that she inquired with Heo Young-saeng's side about their intention to visit in advance, and received the response that "it is difficult to visit only specific birthday cafes, so we do not make separate visits."
The author explained that although the only birthday party taking place at the time was the one she had organized, she did not send an additional visit request in case other birthday cafes might be held. Subsequently, other fans asked Heo Young-saeng's side again about their intention to participate in the birthday cafe, and the author said that Heo Young-saeng's side either ignored this or responded that participation was difficult.
However, the author said that on the 2nd, the day before the birthday, Heo Young-saeng's side suddenly announced via the fan communication platform Bubble that they would directly hold a personally reserved event. The author expressed regret that Heo's side had not made any prior mention or coordination, despite already knowing that he was preparing an event.
The author brought remaining items such as cup holders that he had prepared and participated in the event arranged directly by Heo's side, distributing them to fans for free.
Following this, the author revealed that at a gathering of fans, Heo made public remarks that caused her embarrassment.
After conversing with fans for about two hours, Heo, when urged by staff that it was time to leave, concluded the event by saying, "Thankfully, you opened a birthday cafe. But since you kept telling me to come…"
In response, the author said, "It was an individual's heart that wanted to cheer and celebrate, so it is not a problem at all that you did not come. However, I cannot help but be disappointed by the attitude of responding in a way that involves ignoring and causing embarrassment." She added, "I know that this was your best expression of gratitude in your own way, but I am now tired of the idea that this is the best expression," announcing her decision to wrap up her long-standing fan support.
Even so, the author concluded by saying, "I loved him so much for loving the stage and always dancing and singing with sparkling eyes on it." She added, "Thank you for being my idol for a long time of 16 years since I was an elementary school student. Oppa was truly everything in my life."
Fans are showing surprised reactions to the de-fan declaration by a core fan who had supported only one artist for 16 years.
Some netizens have expressed disappointment in Heo's words and actions, which seem to show a lack of cherishing fans. They left comments such as, "He seems to have lost the minimum empathy required as an artist," "We should hear both sides, but the public call-out was too harsh," "I really don't understand what benefit he gets from calling out a 16-year fan like that," and "It's still surprising that there are fans."
Heo Young-saeng, born in 1986, is a representative second-generation idol who debuted as the main vocalist of the group SS501 in 2005. He subsequently engaged in solo activities, musicals, and the project group FIVE O ONE.
in ENTERTAINMENT
