SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu Faces Backlash Over Alcohol Incident at Concert

During a recent concert in Austin, Texas, on October 21, 2025, SEVENTEEN member Mingyu drew significant criticism for his decision to take a shot of alcohol after a fan made a request. The incident, which occurred during the group’s performance, sparked intense debate about concert etiquette and perceived favoritism toward Western fans.

After a fan held up a sign asking him to join in a shot, Mingyu obliged, leading to a mixed reaction from concertgoers and fans online. Many expressed their shock and concern about the implications of such actions, questioning the safety and appropriateness of drinking alcohol in front of fans during a concert setting. A fan tweeted, “the shot mingyu took was in our section i was speechless when i saw him drink it,” highlighting the immediacy of the incident and the emotional responses it triggered.

Concerns Over Treatment of Fans

In addition to the backlash surrounding Mingyu’s actions, the incident raised broader questions about how SEVENTEEN and their management company, Pledis Entertainment, treat fans in different regions. Particularly, fans in Southeast Asia (SEA) voiced concerns about being subjected to stricter guidelines compared to their Western counterparts. Prior to the SEA leg of SEVENTEEN’s Right Here world tour, which begins on January 18, 2025, Pledis issued a fan etiquette notice, emphasizing rules about conduct, stalking, and gift acceptance.

Fans noted that during concerts in the United States, members of SEVENTEEN engaged in behaviors such as hugging fans and accepting gifts—actions that they felt were not permitted in SEA countries. Critics pointed out that this disparity in treatment suggested a bias in favor of Western fans, igniting discussions on social media about potential racism and favoritism. One fan remarked, “it feels like they are chasing Western validation,” suggesting that such actions could undermine the experience of fans in other regions.

Mixed Reactions and Defenses

Despite the criticism, some supporters countered these claims by referencing instances when SEVENTEEN had shown fan service in SEA countries. They argued that the group had historically faced challenges in balancing their international engagements and that accusations of racism were unfounded. Many pointed out that SEVENTEEN had not toured extensively in Western countries until recently, and emphasized that the group had previously focused on markets like Korea and Japan.

The debate continues to unfold as fans share their perspectives on social media. Some argue that the timing of Pledis’s notice was inappropriate, while others highlight that the etiquette rules were not new, indicating a need for clarity on what is expected from fans across different regions. As the discussions evolve, it is clear that the incident has stirred strong emotions within the fan community, reflecting a complex interplay of cultural expectations and the realities of global entertainment.

As SEVENTEEN prepares for their upcoming concerts, the group and their management will likely need to address these concerns to maintain their diverse fanbase and ensure a positive concert experience for all.