As fans continue to demand that agencies better protect idols from potentially dangerous fans, more and more individuals are being called out and punished for their actions. Most recently, one fansite who followed a third-generation girl group idol to Europe has been penalized.
The idol in question is ARTMS’s Kim Lip, one of the twelve members of LOONA. Last year, fans were given the opportunity to vote on where ARTMS — comprising Kim Lip, Jinsoul, Heejin, Haseul, and Choerry — would have their Season’s Greetings photoshoot. The final results were revealed in July, with fans overwhelmingly voting for the island of Santorini in Greece.
ARTMS headed out for their photoshoot in September 2023, and the gorgeous photos were later release in January this year. However, ARTMS’s label Modhaus weren’t the only ones posting photos from the location.
Fans were instantly divided when one of Kim Lip’s fansites, known as ecLIPse, posted a series of photos of Kim Lip taken in Santorini.
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정은아 생일 축하해 새해 복 많이받구
올해도 함께하자 고마워#김립 #KIMLIP@official_artms pic.twitter.com/u1R42MiYOw— ecLIPse (@Kimlip990210_) February 9, 2024
While some were unfazed by the fansite’s actions, many more across social media called for fans to report ecLIPse to Modhaus.
so… u were just following them around greece?? https://t.co/7hRUmSIDwZ
— lai ˄·͈༝·͈˄ (@cloudgowon) February 9, 2024
Several branded the photos “stalking” or “sasaeng behavior,” others were in disbelief that the fan would cross continents for a private schedule, and many were concerned for the safety and security of the group.
wow this is terrifying https://t.co/wRc97MBf4M
— georgina¹² ⋆.ೃ࿔* :･ loves lina (@waterkimlip) February 9, 2024
Conversations also arose over Kim Lip’s reaction to the photos, with some suggesting that her expression indicated concern or disappointment.
The following month, however, Kim Lip went on to attend a birthday event hosted by the same fansite, leading several OURII (ARTMS fans) to suggest that it’s not wise to speculate about the idol’s own thoughts.
240208#김립 #KIMLIP@official_artms pic.twitter.com/G8cOjSxgvu
— ecLIPse (@Kimlip990210_) February 18, 2024
Irrespective, Modhaus has now taken matters into their own hands. Shortly after releasing a new set of rules for ARTMS fans to follow last month, the company announced that a fan had already been blacklisted: none other than ecLIPse.
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정은날 정은시#HAPPYKIMLIPDAY#김립 #KIMLIP@official_artms pic.twitter.com/CYrqPsBYG5
— ecLIPse (@Kimlip990210_) February 10, 2024
According to a statement from Modhaus on ARTMS’s official Discord server, ecLIPse was banned for violating a series of fanclub etiquette guidelines, including:
- Visiting unofficial schedules or other private spaces
- Filming in zones where filming is not allowed
- Disturbing an artist or staff member’s work
- Other inappropriate behaviors
As a result of these violations, Modhaus went on to say that the fansite is now permanently banned from attending any and all future ARTMS activities, both offline and online, including music show broadcast, fansigns, and other events.
The last photos posted by ecLIPse were taken at ARTMS’s Volume Up concert in Tokyo, with the fansite regularly traveling abroad to attend the group’s tour dates.
ur blacklisted loserrr
— xan #ASSEMBLE24 (@chrrytlk) February 27, 2024
Following the announcement, numerous international fans expressed how glad they were to see an agency finally taking action against unwanted behaviors.
this is so freaking funny now 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/SjRd5vz4Py
— hyunsouler (@gundamjinsoul) February 27, 2024
modhaus blacklisted your ass YOURE DUN pic.twitter.com/dBtDcS6zTa https://t.co/587ZULL9hE
— 🎷🐛 (@soup_eater_) February 27, 2024
Others began reporting other fans and fansite masters to Modhaus for inappropriate behavior. Interestingly, this is not the first time Modhaus has blacklisted an alleged sasaeng fan. Back in January, the agency also announced that they had permanently banned an unnamed fan of TripleS for similar reasons. This, however, is the first time an individual has be identified by their social media handle, and many international K-Pop fans are welcoming this new era of accountability.
Source: ARTMS Official Discord
