In a candid and unsettling revelation, NCT member Yuta has shared harrowing details about the extreme measures he and his group mates once took to evade obsessive sasaeng fans. Appearing on the variety program Naokiman Show’s Urban Legend Wide Show Season 3, the Japanese idol opened up about the invasive surveillance and dangerous pursuits that plagued the group during their early dorm days, highlighting a darker side of K-pop fandom that continues to concern idols and fans alike.
Sasaeng fans, known for their aggressive and often illegal stalking behavior, have long been a problematic element in the Korean entertainment industry. These individuals frequently disregard personal boundaries, invading idols’ private lives in pursuit of exclusive information or encounters. Yuta’s account sheds light on how pervasive and coordinated such activities could become, painting a picture of constant tension and fear that many idols quietly endure.
According to Yuta, when NCT members lived together in shared dormitories, approximately 30 dedicated sasaeng fans maintained a relentless watch outside their building. These fans operated like a network, sharing real-time updates about the members’ movements via messages and calls. The moment one member stepped out, the information spread rapidly, triggering immediate pursuit by multiple stalkers. This level of organization turned everyday activities — such as going to practice, meetings, or even simple errands — into high-stakes operations requiring careful strategy.
In response to this overwhelming pressure, the members developed a grim but practical system to protect the majority. They would play rock-paper-scissors to determine who would serve as “bait.” The loser of the game had the unfortunate task of drawing the sasaengs’ attention, acting as a distraction while the others slipped away unnoticed. This self-sacrificial method, though born out of necessity, underscores the desperate lengths to which the group went just to maintain some semblance of normalcy and safety. Yuta recounted these experiences with a mix of humor and underlying seriousness, reflecting the psychological toll such situations impose.
The challenges intensified further with the rise of electric scooters, which allowed sasaengs to chase members more effectively and discreetly through city streets. Yuta described tense moments of evasion, where the idols would duck into narrow side alleys only to see the fans casually glide past moments later, pretending innocence. These pursuits created an atmosphere of paranoia, making even short outings feel like elaborate escape missions. The ease and speed of modern personal transport turned what might once have been manageable into a far more threatening ordeal.
Reactions from the online community have been swift and overwhelmingly sympathetic. Many fans expressed shock and anger upon hearing Yuta’s story, condemning the dangerous and disrespectful behavior of sasaengs. Discussions on social media platforms highlighted ongoing frustrations with how agencies and law enforcement handle such invasions of privacy. While companies like SM Entertainment have issued warnings and taken legal action in past cases involving NCT members, critics argue that stronger systemic measures are still needed to deter these obsessive fans effectively.
This revelation adds to a growing list of troubling incidents involving NCT and sasaeng behavior over the years. From unauthorized home intrusions to aggressive airport chases, the group has faced repeated privacy violations despite their massive global popularity. Yuta’s willingness to speak openly on a public program brings much-needed awareness to an issue that idols often downplay to avoid escalating tensions or appearing ungrateful toward their fanbase.
Broader conversations in the K-pop community frequently revisit the roots of sasaeng culture. Intense competition among fans, coupled with the industry’s demanding schedule and limited personal time for idols, can foster environments where boundary-crossing feels normalized for some. However, the vast majority of supporters strongly oppose such actions, emphasizing that genuine admiration should never compromise an artist’s well-being or mental health.
Yuta’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost behind the glamorous facade of idol life. Behind the polished performances and charismatic stage presence lies a reality where basic freedoms — like walking freely or spending time with friends — can become luxuries. His account also highlights the resilience and camaraderie within NCT, as members relied on teamwork and even playful games like rock-paper-scissors to navigate threats together.
As NCT continues to thrive with new music, tours, and individual projects, incidents like this underscore the importance of fan responsibility. True support means respecting personal space and allowing artists to live without constant fear. Industry stakeholders, from management companies to authorities, bear responsibility for implementing better protections, including stricter enforcement of anti-stalking laws and improved security protocols around dorms and private residences.
Ultimately, Yuta’s brave disclosure on Naokiman Show brings attention to a persistent problem that affects not only NCT but many idols across the industry. By sharing these experiences, he contributes to a larger dialogue about creating safer environments for artists. Fans worldwide have responded with messages of support, hoping that greater awareness will lead to meaningful change and ensure future generations of idols do not have to resort to games of chance simply to move about freely. In the high-pressure world of K-pop, protecting mental health and personal security remains an ongoing challenge that demands collective vigilance and empathy.
