Last August, Korean citizens became alarmed by the numerous knife threats and attacks that began to take place in worryingly increasing numbers. Not only were there threats against regular civilians, often posted on popular online community forum DC Inside, but one user even threatened to “stab and kill” aespa‘s Winter when she was scheduled to appear at the airport on August 8.
Because of this threat, extra security was hired to protect Winter and the rest of aespa’s members, and thankfully the day passed without incident.
In recent times, the threats seem to have quieted down for the most part, but alarm was raised once again as people came across a recent post on the same DC Inside site that threatened harm against NewJeans‘ members.
In the post, titled “I bought it to use when NewJeans holds a concert”, the user posted a frightening picture of a knife. While the image does appear to be one copied from a Japanese knife sold on an e-commerce site, there’s no way to know if the user truly purchased it with intent to harm or if it’s just empty threats.
At the bottom of the post, the anonymous user continues with, “I’m going to stab each one of NewJeans’ members once they come out of the van.”
Allegedly, the same user is also posting the phrase, “It feels like every community is pushing NewJeans” over and over again on posts about the group, unsettling other users in the community.
With the group scheduled to appear at the fanmeeting Bunnies Camp 2024 Tokyo Dome on June 26 and 27, as well as their current promotions for their new release “Supernatural”, fans are worried about each of their public appearances that could give this user — who people are deeming an “incel” — a chance to follow through with his threat.
With these recent threats as well as last year’s concerning bout of knife attack threats to civilians, thankfully both the government and local authorities are working to keep people safe. The National Police Agency has added special forces in Ulsan, Gangwon, and Chungbuk, supporting the 15 existing special units across South Korea. Other measures are also being made such as starting a new reporting system and creating support centers for victims in different regions of the country.
As for protecting the members of NewJeans themselves, it’s unclear what measures are being taken, but hopefully ADOR will add additional security measures to their upcoming events just in case this user is serious about his threats.
Here’s how people are reacting to this concerning situation.
We hope that NewJeans and Korean civilians in general stay safe during this worrying time!
Source: Pann Nate and Pann Choa
