SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu Faces Backlash After Alcohol Incident at Concert

UPDATE: SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu is under fire following a controversial incident during the group’s concert in Austin, Texas, on October 22, 2025. The K-pop idol was seen taking a shot of alcohol with a fan, igniting widespread debate over concert etiquette and perceived favoritism towards Western fans.

The incident occurred when a fan displayed a sign asking Mingyu to join them for a drink. After spotting the sign, Mingyu complied, reportedly leaving many concert-goers in shock. A fan tweeted, “the shot mingyu took was in our section i was speechless when i saw him drink it,” showcasing the immediate emotional response from attendees.

This action has sparked significant backlash, with critics questioning the safety and appropriateness of Mingyu’s behavior. Fans are voicing concerns that such actions may set a risky precedent for idol-fan interactions.

Moreover, the incident has raised alarms about inconsistent treatment of fans in different regions. Supporters in Southeast Asian countries have claimed they face stricter regulations compared to those in the U.S. For instance, prior to the group’s Southeast Asia leg of the Right Here world tour, Pledis Entertainment released a fan etiquette notice that imposed strict guidelines on interactions, such as prohibiting gifts and monitoring behavior.

Critics argue that the differing treatment suggests a bias favoring Western fans. One user expressed, “it comes across as low-key racist toward SEA fans,” highlighting the growing sentiment of unfairness among international fans. This has led to heated discussions on social media, with many sharing anecdotes of how they feel marginalized compared to their Western counterparts.

In contrast, some fans defend SEVENTEEN’s actions, pointing out instances where the group has engaged positively with SEA fans in the past. “SEVENTEEN have gone years without visiting or never have visited many western countries,” one supporter noted, questioning the narrative of favoritism.

As discussions intensify online, the question remains: what are the implications of this incident for SEVENTEEN and their management? The group has yet to address the backlash directly, and many are awaiting an official response from Pledis Entertainment.

In the wake of this controversy, fans and critics alike are closely monitoring how the group navigates these challenges. The discourse highlights the evolving dynamics of international fandom in the K-pop industry, where cultural expectations and concert etiquette play a crucial role in fan-artist relationships.

As SEVENTEEN continues their tour, the stakes are high. Will Mingyu’s actions prompt a change in policy, or will the debate fade into the background? Fans are urged to stay tuned for further developments.