In an unusual and candid moment, Bangchan, the leader of Stray Kids, publicly addressed members of his own fanbase regarding their attacks on his senior girl group, TWICE. The incident arose following the announcement of Stray Kids’ Latin American tour dates for their STRAYCITY tour, which prompted some TWICE fans to accuse JYP Entertainment of favoritism, alleging that TWICE was being overlooked because comparable tour stops were not added for the girl group.

The controversy began on May 22 (KST), when Stray Kids revealed that they would be performing in Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico as part of the STRAYCITY tour. Almost immediately, some TWICE fans expressed frustration online, noting that TWICE had canceled plans to expand their own tour into Latin America. These fans blamed JYP Entertainment, the agency managing both groups, suggesting that the company was giving preferential treatment to Stray Kids over TWICE. Social media posts from some of TWICE’s supporters portrayed Stray Kids as benefiting unfairly from opportunities that should have been available to TWICE, igniting a heated debate between the two fandoms.

As tensions escalated, the situation took a notable turn when Bangchan decided to intervene. Known for his leadership and careful consideration of the group’s image, Bangchan took to social media to address his fans directly. Rather than commenting on the dispute over tour dates, he focused on the behavior of his own supporters, calling out those who were disrespecting TWICE. In his message, he emphasized the importance of gratitude and respect, stating that fans should “just appreciate and be grateful for TWICE.” He also highlighted his personal connection to the group, noting that the TWICE members are his friends and that he holds them in high regard. Bangchan’s intervention was a rare instance of a K-pop idol directly reprimanding his own fanbase for attacking another group, and it quickly drew attention across the K-pop community.

Reactions to Bangchan’s statement were mixed, reflecting the complexity of fan culture in the industry. Many TWICE fans expressed their appreciation for his defense of the group. They praised him for speaking out, even if it risked displeasing some of his own supporters. Social media users thanked him for prioritizing respect and dignity over fan loyalty, viewing his message as a reminder that artists deserve support without harassment from other fandoms.

However, not all Stray Kids fans reacted positively. Some voiced disappointment and frustration, feeling that Bangchan had unfairly sided with another fandom over his own. A number of fans criticized the leader for what they perceived as a betrayal, suggesting that he should have prioritized Stray Kids and their supporters instead. Online posts expressed dismay, with some accusing him of not defending the group against perceived unfair treatment, while others debated whether it was appropriate for an artist to publicly comment on fan disputes at all.

Amid the backlash, a segment of both fandoms advocated for peace and mutual respect. These fans highlighted the artists’ own professional relationships and mutual admiration, urging supporters not to drag them into conflicts. They reminded everyone that Bangchan and TWICE maintain a friendly and respectful rapport, and that online hostilities between fandoms ultimately undermine the artists’ efforts and accomplishments.

This episode underscores a recurring challenge in K-pop fandom culture: the overlapping of tour announcements and scheduling decisions often sparks tensions that extend beyond the artists themselves. While agencies attempt to balance global tours and promotional activities across multiple groups, fans may interpret decisions as favoritism or inequity, fueling conflicts online. Bangchan’s intervention reflects a growing recognition among artists that they sometimes must address fan behavior to maintain harmony and uphold mutual respect within the community.

Ultimately, the incident illustrates the delicate dynamics between idols, their fans, and intergroup relationships in the K-pop industry. While Bangchan’s message was widely praised for promoting respect and civility, it also served as a reminder of the pressures artists face in navigating fandom politics. The call for appreciation rather than hostility highlights a broader sentiment within the K-pop community: that artists should be supported for their work and character, without being drawn into conflicts stemming from fan rivalry. The episode stands as a rare but significant example of an idol publicly prioritizing respect and camaraderie over fan-driven disputes, reinforcing the importance of responsible fandom behavior and the value of mutual respect across groups.