NewJeans’ Hanni has sparked concern among fans after she was seen visibly upset at the airport following the group’s return to South Korea from the 2024 Asia Artist Awards. The scene quickly turned chaotic as a large crowd surrounded the members, shouting, filming, and pushing through security to get closer to the group.

While chaotic airport scenes are unfortunately common for idols, this incident took an emotional toll on Hanni. She was seen pausing in the middle of the crowd, wiping away tears, as fellow member Minji and a staff member comforted her.

Fans believe a specific moment may have contributed to Hanni’s distress: reports suggest that a man pushed past bodyguards and attempted to approach NewJeans, handing them a letter and crossing personal boundaries. Others speculate that the sheer intensity of the situation, with fans screaming and crowding around the group, may have been overwhelming.

The incident has sparked frustration among netizens, who criticized the behavior of some fans and the lack of adequate security for the group. Comments flooded social media expressing anger and sympathy:

• “Why are people shouting her name even when she’s clearly distressed? This is so frustrating.”
• “It’s heartbreaking to see idols go through this. Airport videos like these shouldn’t even exist.”
• “The crowd didn’t seem too chaotic at first, but everything spiraled out of control when people started pushing and screaming.”

Many fans pointed out that the situation reflects a broader issue of idol safety and privacy, especially as their popularity soars. The incident also comes amid concerns that NewJeans’ increasing global presence could make such situations more frequent.

As Hanni’s moment of vulnerability continues to circulate online, fans are calling for better measures to protect idols in public spaces, ensuring their well-being and safety remain a priority.