K-netizens debate if KISS OF LIFE's excessive skinship with fans is too much

KISS OF LIFE's agency has recently come under scrutiny for the group's fan engagement in China.

During a recent event, the group participated in photo sessions with fans, involving close physical interactions such as back hugs and embraces. This level of "skinship"—a term used in Korea to describe physical affection—has sparked debate among Korean netizens.

Some netizens are drawing parallels between KISS OF LIFE's latest fan interactions and the "Cheki" events in Japan's underground idol scene. During these "Cheki" events, fans pay to take Polaroid photos with these underground idol members, often posing in intimate ways to create personalized experiences for fans. And these events become a major income stream for underground idols.

These netizens expressed concern regarding the intimate physical touch between the idols and the fans, pointing out that it is excessive. Other netizens shared their opinions that the physical touch was acceptable with female fans.

They commented:

"Since they're a 'hot girl' concept, I don’t see why it’s considered that extreme."

"But if you think about it with the genders reversed, it does seem excessive."

"I can see why some people might feel uncomfortable."

"But since it’s with female fans, it seems more acceptable. Still, I think some fans might not feel great about it."

"If the genders were swapped, people would definitely be outraged."

"Why don’t they do things like this in Korea?"

"Well, it’s part of that underground culture in the first place. And I’ve noticed that some idols in Korea are starting to do similar things these days."

"Looking at this alone, it seems fine, but if they don’t do the same for male fans, there will probably be backlash. That’s why most idols try to minimize physical contact."

"Even between the same gender, it feels a bit much."

"If the fans' genders were switched, people would lose it. They’d ask why they do it for female fans but not for male fans."

"Male idols sometimes get their cheeks grabbed, interlock hands with fans, and even get super close, like almost close enough to kiss (especially the big groups). Compared to that, this doesn’t seem that over-the-top."

"It doesn’t seem too excessive to me."

"Still, to avoid issues with male fans, they should probably tone down the skinship... "

What do you think about this? Is this intimate skinship with fans excessive?