Talent agency Jam Republic issued an official statement via an Instagram post requesting fans to "respect the privacy of [their] artists."
"Will take legal action"
In the Instagram post dated Jan. 22, the agency warns against fans recording and following its artists "during their own personal time" as that poses a threat to their "safety and privacy."
The agency also says that "when and if necessary, [they] will take legal action" against any "hate comments or slander."
This follows fan sightings of Jam Republic dancers Dodgen and Lee, as well as Howl, also a dancer, in Changi Airport and other Singapore tourism sites.
@misochawanmushi bada took my gift 😭😭 @badalee__ ♬ original sound - kvsslvnd ﾒ’𝟶
The agency, headquartered in Singapore, has international choreographers and performers under its belt.
It is known for its Jam Republic team in Street Woman Fighter 2 (SFW2), a South Korean dance competition show, which includes main dancer Kirsten Dodgen.
Photo from @kirstendodgen on Instagram.
Bada Lee, the leader of another SFW2 team BEBE, is also signed under Jam Republic.
Photo from @badalee__ on Instagram.
Comments
In response to the agency's statement, several fans have voiced their support.
Photo from @jamrepublictheagency on Instagram.
They've also been defending Lee, who is the subject of online criticism.
what's with the sudden forced bada lee hate? https://t.co/lTqvQxFzzz
— momo🫧 (@izseongmin) December 23, 2023
However, some acknowledged that the parasocial relationships formed between idols and fans make situations like this inevitable.
Photo from @jamrepublictheagency on Instagram.
Top photos from Jam Republic's and Bada Lee's Instagram.