Should we “separate the artist from the art”? And even if you’re aware that someone you idolize is allegedly involved in criminal acts, how far would you go to support them?
Apparently, all the scandal surrounding BIGBANG’s former member Seungri — who’s still undergoing investigations on salacious charges related to prostitution and drugs, including the infamous Burning Sun scandal — have not deterred some of his Indonesian fans from showing their support for him.
Several dozen VIPs — the nickname given to fans of BIGBANG — gathered yesterday in solidarity for the disgraced K-pop idol at Livespace in SCBD, South Jakarta. Seungri had a solo concert planned at Livespace yesterday, which was cancelled due to the ongoing investigation into his case in South Korea.
The fans were pictured bringing posters, light sticks, and flowers while singing numerous songs popularized by both Seungri and BIGBANG. Some fans said they were well aware of the accusations against their idol, but chose to support and pray for the best for Seungri and BIGBANG.
“I myself can’t comment further [about the alleged prostitution services]. We have to be smart when it comes to reading the news, because there are some exaggerated ones that were intended to incite our emotions. When we support him, it doesn’t mean that we support the prostitution, we just want this problem to be solved,” one fan told Jawa Pos yesterday.
Some pictures and videos of the gathering have been circulating on social media.
This is amazing
Indonesian VIPs gathered where it's supposed to be Seungri's concert today pic.twitter.com/DypKNmE0Xj— Seunghyun's Waffle (@Mzmariam07) March 17, 2019
https://twitter.com/punyajuned/status/1107334319679275008
The VIPs pictured in the posts received some love from fellow fans, while many others panned them for supporting a man who’s been accused of some truly vile acts.
https://twitter.com/bittersweet8866/status/1107342091481276416
https://twitter.com/tabisqueen/status/1107294274364817409
🙏🏻 Look at this @ForvictoRi VIPs are still alive, don't give up!! Fighting 💪🏻
— Danielle 💙✨ (@sami_danielle01) March 17, 2019
— shootxcx (@caf5646663f5492) March 18, 2019
https://twitter.com/howtodressvvell/status/1107489494385594369
https://twitter.com/travelingtae/status/1107449784540033024
I mean, I’m a VIP too, since 2007 even. I’m heartbroken too. But the victims must have it harder. Do not dismiss their cries for justice. Stay objective, will you?
— eri ⟡ (@froufroumwaa) March 18, 2019
One of the latest developments in Seungri’s scandal came in the form of an alleged leaked chat in 2014 between the K-pop star and a business partner, identified by his initial A, purporting to show the arrangement of female escorts for the latter’s upcoming business trip to Indonesia. https://coconuts.co/jakarta/lifestyle/leaked-chat-alleges-former-k-pop-star-seungri-provided-escorts-business-partner-indonesia-trip-2014/
According to the chats, A intended to bring two escorts for his clients in Indonesia, while his business dealings and who his clients are were not detailed in the leaked chat or in South Korean media thus far. Neither Seungri nor the South Korean police have confirmed the authenticity of the leaked chat.
Seungri has had a dramatic fall from grace over the past few weeks after allegations surfaced recently of sexual assault, physical assault and illegal drug use at the Burning Sun nightclub — which Seungri sits on the board of — as well as his alleged participation in the spread illicit spy cam sex videos featuring Korean celebrities.
Amid the scandal and the ongoing police investigation, Seungri recently announced his retirement from the entertainment industry.
