A HYBE-affiliated boy group has come under fire online after a viral fan account accused the members of boarding a flight so late that it allegedly delayed departure for other passengers.

The controversy began spreading across Korean online communities after a fan shared a lengthy post describing frustration during a recent flight reportedly connected to K-CON schedules. Although the group was not officially named in the original post, many netizens quickly began speculating about which HYBE artists were involved.

According to the viral account, the idols allegedly boarded the plane at the exact scheduled departure time rather than before boarding closed, leading to complaints from passengers already seated on the aircraft.

The fan criticized both the artists and their company, arguing that celebrities should follow the same public etiquette expected of ordinary travelers.

The post stated:

“If you have time to lecture fans about airport etiquette, then please make sure you arrive on time for boarding yourselves.”

The writer further claimed that even staff members from another entertainment company sitting nearby expressed surprise over how late the idols boarded. According to the post, some passengers were allegedly irritated enough to openly complain and swear while waiting for the flight to depart.

The fan also emphasized that the incident was supposedly “not the first or second time,” suggesting repeated complaints about similar situations involving celebrity travel schedules.

As screenshots spread online, reactions quickly became divided.

Some netizens defended the idols, pointing out that many K-pop artists intentionally board flights late for security reasons. Because idols are often mobbed by fans and photographers at airports, agencies sometimes coordinate delayed boarding procedures to reduce crowding and avoid dangerous situations.

Others, however, argued that safety concerns should not inconvenience ordinary passengers or cause delays affecting hundreds of travelers.

The controversy also reignited ongoing criticism surrounding celebrity “special treatment” at airports, a topic that regularly sparks debate in Korea whenever idols travel internationally.

Many fans referenced previous incidents where passengers expressed frustration after celebrities received priority boarding arrangements, private entrances, or delayed boarding schedules. Some argued that companies should find more efficient ways to protect artists without disrupting public transportation systems.

Meanwhile, another fan account attempted to calm tensions by encouraging fandom members to maintain proper etiquette themselves. A widely shared message jokingly urged fans to become a fandom “that obeys etiquette and doesn’t get called for the last boarding announcement at airports.”

Despite the backlash, others noted that airport logistics involving idols are often more complicated than they appear publicly. Security coordination, crowd control, immigration procedures, and staff movement can all affect boarding schedules, especially during large overseas events like K-CON where multiple entertainment companies and artists travel simultaneously.

As of now, HYBE has not released an official statement addressing the allegations, and no airline has publicly confirmed whether a flight was actually delayed because of the idols’ boarding time.

Still, the viral discussion once again highlights how even routine travel situations involving K-pop idols can rapidly become major online controversies — especially when airport etiquette and celebrity privilege are involved.