A recent fan event organized by **HYBE** for its Japanese boy group **&TEAM** has sparked significant backlash after multiple attendees shared disturbing accounts of aggressive security measures, physical rough handling, and alleged inappropriate touching. The incident, which took place during a “**Hi-Bye Session**,” has gone viral on Korean online communities, with fans describing the experience as traumatic rather than the joyful fan-idol interaction it was intended to be.

A “Hi-Bye Session” is a short, structured fan greeting event where members of a group briefly interact with attendees, often involving quick hellos, handshakes, or waves before moving on. These sessions are typically tightly controlled, with strict **no-filming** policies to protect the artists and maintain an exclusive atmosphere. In the case of &TEAM’s recent session, the no-filming rule appears to have been enforced with what many participants described as excessive force.

According to firsthand accounts shared online (including a widely circulated tweet dated April 21, 2026), security staff allegedly grabbed fans by the wrists, pushed them aggressively, and even slammed one attendee against a glass door. One witness recounted the shocking moment: “As soon as they left the area, we heard a ‘SLAM!!’ and saw the fan being slammed against the glass door… They could’ve just asked them to delete the video, but why are they treating fans like criminals?” The witness added that she and her friend were so startled they nearly fainted.

Another fan detailed her own experience of complying with staff instructions yet still facing rough treatment. She explained that when asked to remove a phone hidden up her sleeve, she immediately did so, but a male security guard grabbed and dragged her anyway. “Of course I know that filming is prohibited, but do you have to go this far? I listened to you and was removing the phone, so I don’t get why I got dragged away. Thanks to you, my arms are all scratched up,” she wrote. Photos shared by fans reportedly showed visible scratches and redness on arms, supporting claims of overly aggressive physical contact.

Perhaps the most concerning allegations involved inappropriate body checks. Several fans claimed that security personnel conducted thorough pat-downs that crossed professional boundaries, including touching private areas. One attendee shared: “They said they would body check me for cameras and they patted me down, even touching my private parts. It made me feel horrible. It’s an event meant to be joyous. This made me question everything.” Similar complaints referenced a previous &TEAM fan event from a few years ago, where staff were accused of touching fans’ chests and lifting clothing during searches for recording devices. That earlier incident reportedly led to an official apology from the company.

The backlash has been swift and widespread. Netizens expressed outrage over what they see as a failure in event management and a lack of respect for fan safety. Many questioned why security resorted to physical force instead of calmer methods, such as verbal warnings or simply confiscating devices. Others pointed out that treating fans — who often spend significant money and time supporting the artists — like potential criminals undermines the positive relationship HYBE aims to build with its audience.

&TEAM, a multinational boy group under HYBE’s subsidiary label, debuted in 2022 and has built a dedicated international fanbase. The group is known for its energetic performances and close interactions with fans, making the negative reports from this Hi-Bye Session particularly disappointing for supporters. No specific &TEAM members were directly implicated in the misconduct; the criticism has focused entirely on the event staff and security protocols.

As of the latest reports, **HYBE** has not issued an official statement addressing the allegations. This silence has further fueled frustration among fans, some of whom are calling for clearer guidelines on security procedures, better training for staff, and greater transparency in handling fan events. The controversy also revives broader discussions about power dynamics in the K-pop industry, where strict control over content and fan interactions sometimes leads to overzealous enforcement.

Supporters of the group have urged others to separate the artists from the actions of event staff, emphasizing that idols themselves are unlikely to be aware of such backstage incidents. At the same time, many fans stress that creating a safe and respectful environment should be a basic expectation for any idol agency, especially one as large and influential as HYBE.

This is not an isolated case in the K-pop world. Similar complaints about aggressive security, invasive searches, and poor crowd management have surfaced at events for various groups across different agencies. However, the detailed personal accounts and visual evidence in this instance have made the &TEAM Hi-Bye Session particularly viral.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges in organizing intimate fan engagements in an era where smartphones are ubiquitous and fans expect both access and protection of their experience. While no-filming rules are common and often necessary to prevent leaks or unauthorized content, the method of enforcement appears to have crossed into unacceptable territory for many attendees.

As the story continues to spread across platforms like X (Twitter), TheQoo, and other Korean online communities, fans are hoping for a swift and sincere response from HYBE. A proper investigation into the security team’s conduct, along with improved protocols for future events, could help restore trust. In the meantime, the allegations serve as a reminder that behind the polished performances and fan service lies the need for careful, respectful handling of the very people who support the artists.

For &TEAM and HYBE, maintaining a positive image with fans is crucial, especially as the group continues to grow its presence in the competitive global K-pop market. Whether this controversy leads to meaningful changes in how Hi-Bye Sessions and similar events are managed remains to be seen.