Netizens are expressing severe concerns over BAE173 member Dohyon, who has been on hiatus from his entertainment promotions since last year.
- Watch: LE SSERAFIM Takes 8th Win And Triple Crown For “EASY” On “M Countdown”; Performances By Hwang Minhyun, Chungha, And More
- BAE173 Nam Dohyon Wins Lawsuit To Suspend Contract With PocketDol Studio
Previously, in October of 2022, PocketDol Studio announced that Dohyon would take a hiatus from all activities due to long-term health effects of COVID-19.
As a result, the idol has been "missing" from BAE173's content since fall of last year, including during the group's 2nd anniversary celebration, Christmas and New Year greetings, and in BAE173's 2023 season's greetings package.
Then, on February 10, Dohyon finally made what many perceived to be his first "public" appearance, as he attended the graduation ceremony for Hanlim Multi Art School graduates of the class of 2023.
However, according to fan accounts, Dohyon arrived at school in a taxi, and was unattended by his manager or any representatives from his agency. Despite the fact that he is currently on hiatus, fans swarmed him as soon as he appeared, due to the fact that he is a publicly known celebrity.
Fan accounts have additionally claimed that Dohyon's path was continuously blocked by swarms of fans both as he arrived at school and as he attempted to depart. To control the crowds and to ensure Dohyon's safety, teachers and security had to step in to help Dohyon catch his taxi back home.
What particularly confused netizens about this incident was that on the same day, fellow BAE173 member BIT also graduated from Hanlim Multi Art School. BIT and the other BAE173 members safely arrived at the graduation ceremony in their agency van, accompanied by their managers, and BIT participated in all of the "official" activities of the graduation ceremony for public figures, including appearing in front of the press, etc.
Many netizens were shocked by the difference in how member BIT's graduation was celebrated by BAE173's agency and by the group members, compared to the lack of celebration or even mention of Dohyon, who is still seemingly on "hiatus".
Some commented,
"Are they kicking him out??"
"Basically, the company has all but made the official announcement that he's out of the group..."
"He's on hiatus because his health isn't his best, but does that really mean he has no access to the company's resources?"
"He's still your agency artist! OMG treat him with some respect!"
"After all this, do they really expect him to come back and join the group smiling..."
"If he's leaving the company, good for him. He's still young and very talented."
"This is preposterous treatment of your company's artists."
"Would it have been such an inconvenience to just bring him safely in the company van..."
"Those fans are being so reckless, running in the road!"
"Those crazy fans chasing him, they look like zombies WTH..."
"It's supposed to be a happy day for the graduates, but those fans ruined it."
Meanwhile, it's widely believed among fans that Dohyon will not be participating in JTBC's idol survival program 'Peak Time' along with the rest of his BAE173 members.
Source: Allkpop
