SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu Faces Backlash Over Alcohol Incident at Austin Concert

UPDATE: SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu is under fire following a controversial incident during the group’s concert in Austin, Texas, on October 22, 2025. The K-pop idol sparked intense debate after he was seen taking a shot of alcohol with a fan, raising questions about concert etiquette and perceived favoritism towards Western fans.

During the concert, a fan displayed a sign requesting Mingyu to share a drink, which he obliged to after initially acknowledging the request. Eyewitnesses reported, “the shot Mingyu took was in our section; I was speechless when I saw him drink it.” This act has led to widespread criticism, with many questioning the implications of such behavior in a public setting.

The backlash intensified as fans compared the treatment of concert-goers in the U.S. to those in Southeast Asia (SEA). Critics argue that SEVENTEEN and their management, Pledis Entertainment, enforce stricter regulations in SEA countries, where fans are often subjected to more rigid guidelines. Just prior to the SEA leg of their Right Here world tour, Pledis issued a fan etiquette notice reiterating rules about gifts and fan interactions, further fueling accusations of bias.

“It feels like they are chasing Western validation, and it comes across as low-key racist toward SEA fans,” one user tweeted, highlighting the ongoing grievances.

Fans in SEA expressed frustration over the perceived disparity, noting that similar interactions, such as hugs and gift exchanges, occurred during the Austin concert but were not allowed in their regions. Many pointed out that SEVENTEEN’s fan service appears inconsistent, leading to accusations of favoritism.

Some supporters of SEVENTEEN countered these claims, citing instances where the group accepted gifts and engaged with fans in SEA. They noted that the group’s touring history has been heavily focused on Korea and Japan, raising questions about the fairness of these comparisons. “If we want to talk about unfair situations, we should note that SEVENTEEN hasn’t even toured Europe yet,” one fan argued.

As the debate continues, both sides of the argument are passionate. Fans are calling for more equitable treatment across all regions and showing solidarity with those who feel marginalized by these actions. The intense scrutiny surrounding Mingyu’s actions reflects a broader conversation about cultural sensitivity and the responsibilities of global artists.

What happens next remains to be seen. Observers are keenly watching for any official responses from Pledis Entertainment or SEVENTEEN regarding this incident. As the group prepares for their next concerts, the impact of this controversy on their relationship with fans worldwide is likely to reverberate.

This developing story highlights not just the complexities of fandom in the K-pop industry but also the urgent need for dialogue about cultural perceptions and treatment in the global music scene.