TAIPEI/SEOUL — A New Warning From Wendy and fromis_9’s Agency
ASND Label, the agency representing Red Velvet’s Wendy and girl group fromis_9, has issued a strong warning over repeated incidents it says threaten the artists’ safety and violate their privacy.
In a notice released Sept. 15, the agency asked fans and others to stop behavior that could endanger the artists, invade private spaces or interfere with their movements. ASND said it may pursue legal action under applicable laws against violations involving artists’ personal information and privacy.
The warning comes amid continuing concerns across the K-pop industry about fans crossing boundaries between supporting artists and intruding into their private lives.
ASND Details the Behavior It Wants Stopped
According to ASND, some recent incidents have involved people getting too close to Wendy or vehicles transporting the artists in an attempt to deliver letters or gifts.
The agency also specifically warned against people entering roads or obstructing vehicles, saying such actions can create safety risks for the artists, fans and other people nearby.
ASND emphasized that fan interactions should not put anyone in danger.
It also asked people not to engage in conduct that could threaten the safety of the artists or anyone else at the scene.
Privacy Is at the Center of the Warning
The agency’s notice went beyond physical safety.
ASND said people should not enter artists’ private spaces without permission or interfere with their personal schedules.
It also warned against the illegal acquisition, sale or purchase of personal information involving the artists.
The agency further addressed repeated loitering around its headquarters and unauthorized entry into the building.
ASND said its premises are used for work related to its artists and warned that repeatedly remaining around the building or entering without permission could also lead to legal action.
Agency Says Legal Action Is Possible
ASND did not announce a specific lawsuit or identify individual people in the notice.
Instead, it said it may take legal measures under relevant laws against illegal use of artists’ personal information and acts that invade their privacy.
That distinction is important: the agency has issued a warning about possible legal action, but the notice itself does not establish that criminal or civil proceedings have already been filed against particular individuals.
The company also said people may be stopped depending on circumstances at the site when intervention is necessary to protect safety.
Wendy Has Faced Other Online Harassment Issues
The latest warning follows another legal-response issue involving Wendy.
In August, ASND said it would respond to malicious posts and comments targeting Wendy’s appearance and body, including sexualized commentary and false information.
The agency said such material could constitute defamation and announced that it would continue collecting evidence regarding existing and future posts.
That earlier controversy involved online content, while the latest notice focuses primarily on physical privacy, personal information and safety around the artists.
Keeping those issues separate is important because they involve different forms of alleged misconduct.
fromis_9 Also Included in the Agency’s Warning
The announcement applies to fromis_9, which is also represented by ASND.
The agency’s warning therefore covers behavior involving both Wendy and the group, rather than targeting one artist or one specific incident.
ASND said it wants to establish a safer environment not only for the artists but also for fans and people who work at or use spaces connected to the agency.
The Bigger K-Pop Privacy Problem
The warning reflects a recurring challenge in the entertainment industry: artists increasingly interact with fans through social media, public appearances, concerts and other events, but their private schedules and personal information remain protected boundaries.
When private information is obtained or shared without authorization, or when people follow artists into private settings, the situation can move beyond ordinary fan activity.
ASND’s latest statement specifically draws that line by asking supporters to respect private spaces, avoid interfering with schedules and refrain from acquiring or trading personal information.
A Clear Message to Fans
ASND ended its notice by thanking supporters of Wendy and fromis_9 while emphasizing that it would continue working to protect the artists’ safety and rights.
The agency’s message is straightforward: support for an artist does not extend to invading their private life or creating safety risks.
For now, ASND has not publicly identified specific offenders or announced a particular case resulting from the latest warning.
But its decision to explicitly mention potential legal action signals that the agency is prepared to escalate its response if the reported behavior continues.
As K-pop’s global fan culture continues to expand, the latest warning involving Wendy and fromis_9 highlights a growing question for the industry: where should the line be drawn between fan support and an artist’s right to privacy?
