Close interaction between idols and fans has long been a core part of K-pop culture, from fan sign events and fan meetings to the "Hi-Bye" sessions after concerts. Idols are expected to maintain a professional demeanor and smile regardless of the situation, but a recent discussion on South Korean online communities has brought up an awkward issue: body odor.
South Korean netizens compiled past statements from several female idols who publicly reminded fans to "shower before meeting," unexpectedly sparking widespread resonance. Many exclaimed that for idols to address this directly, the situation at events must be genuinely severe, making "fan etiquette" a hot topic once again.
Girl group NMIXX has repeatedly brought up the topic of showering during fan interactions. Member SULLYOON (설윤) once responded to a fan comment on a fan platform, emphasizing that showering isn't an option but a basic daily routine. When a fan jokingly suggested, "I won't shower, I'll just spray perfume," she directly replied, "Please, just go shower." Member KYUJIN (규진) also reminded fans to shower before attending fan meetings, which led to laughter among the other members.
In fact, similar situations are not new. ROH Ji-sun (노지선) of fromis_9 previously sparked discussion over hygiene issues before a fan meeting. When a fan commented on social media, reminding everyone to at least wash their face before attending events, ROH Ji-sun herself replied, saying that if they're going to wash, they might as well take a full shower, even jokingly suggesting they exfoliate like her. Her comments went viral on South Korean social media, with many netizens expressing sympathy, noting that for a female idol to speak to this extent, it meant they endured a lot at the events.
Beyond direct calls for showering, IVE member JANG Won-young (장원영) was also discussed by netizens due to airport footage. When she was invited to Paris for a music festival, she was filmed briefly frowning and covering her nose while passing through a crowd. Later, she mentioned on a fan platform how much she loves showering and emphasizes cleanliness, even stating, "Nothing is cleaner or more refreshing than showering at home." This was interpreted by some netizens as an indirect reminder for fans to pay attention to hygiene. However, these situations are more of a netizen interpretation rather than her explicitly addressing fan body odor.
Girls' Generation's YOONA (윤아) also had a similar airport incident discussed by netizens. YOONA was seen losing her composure at the airport due to an unpleasant smell. A male fan approached her to speak, but his close proximity emitted bad breath. Upon smelling it, she instinctively recoiled, tightly covering her mouth and nose with her right hand, looking shocked and uncomfortable. After about 30 seconds, she recovered her smile and bid farewell. Many compared her reaction to the JANG Won-young incident, suggesting it reflects the unspoken difficulties idols often face in high-density crowds at airports and event venues.
Following the spread of this topic, comments on South Korean online communities were equally fervent. Some directly stated, "If they're talking to that extent, how bad must it be?" and "No matter how lazy you are, before meeting someone you like, you should at least wash up, right?" Others commented that fan sign events and fan meetings inherently involve close contact, and basic hygiene is not only for the idols but also a sign of respect for other fans nearby.
Many netizens also shared their own experiences of encountering strong body odor at concerts, on public transport, or in cafes, lamenting that the problem is amplified in summer or crowded places. Some expressed helplessness, saying, "Unless it was unbearable, why would idols specifically bring it up?" and "I really feel bad for them. Why do these princesses have to endure such hardship?" Others defended the female idols, exclaiming that they not only face high-pressure work but also have to tolerate various awkward situations in close-contact events, calling it an "extreme profession."
However, some voices argued that the issue of body odor should not be simplified into a gender attack, and the focus should be on "basic public etiquette." Regardless of gender, for any fan entering enclosed spaces, queuing for hours, or participating in close-contact events, maintaining personal hygiene and avoiding strong perfumes or odors is fundamental respect for idols, staff, and other fans.
The reason this discussion resonated so widely is that while it seems like a minor incident between idols and fans, it actually highlights a long-standing etiquette issue within large events and fan culture. For fans, the opportunity to meet their favorite idols up close is rare. Instead of only preparing banners, gifts, or cheers, it's better to start with the most basic thing: taking a good shower before heading out.
