Lee Soo-hyuk’s Hangzhou Fan Meeting Controversy: Heavy Criticism and Agency Response

Lee Soo-hyuk’s Hangzhou fan meeting sparks controversy.
Fans raise concerns over 12-hour workload and health risks.
Agency Saram Entertainment issues statement, but criticism grows.

Lee Soo-hyuk’s first fan meeting in Hangzhou, China, which was initially anticipated with excitement, ended up stirring controversy. While tickets sold out in just two minutes, reports from Taiwanese media claimed that the actor was forced to work for up to 12 hours in poor conditions. This situation has sparked public debate over the responsibility of both the event organizers and his agency, Saram Entertainment.

A 12-Hour Fan Meeting That Sparked Concern

On August 30, Lee Soo-hyuk held his solo fan meeting titled Eternal Magic Hour: He Lan Xin Dong in Hangzhou. The event had already generated massive buzz, with tickets selling out within minutes. However, Taiwan’s EBC News reported allegations of exploitation during the event.

What was supposed to be a 6.5-hour program extended to 12 hours due to oversold tickets. To make matters worse, the venue’s air conditioning broke down, forcing Lee Soo-hyuk to perform in visibly deteriorating physical condition, drenched in sweat. Reports also alleged that organizers demanded an additional 500 signed posters and even threatened that he could not return home until he finished.

Videos showing Lee Soo-hyuk leaving the venue with a pale face fueled outrage among fans. Many argued that the 36-year-old actor’s health had been severely neglected. Harsh criticism poured in against both the organizers, accused of prioritizing profit over well-being, and the agency, for failing to intervene swiftly.

A fan-recorded video also surfaced, showing Lee Soo-hyuk inside the room picking up his bag and walking with his head tilted back, as if extremely tired. The clip quickly spread online, amplifying concerns about his condition.

Agency Response and Waves of Fan Reactions

On September 3, Saram Entertainment released an official statement through their Instagram account. 

Translated statement:

Hello, this is SARAM Entertainment.

First, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the fans who have shown interest in the "Lee Soo Hyuk 1st Fanmeeting in Hangzhou."

We believe that every moment we share with our fans and artists is meaningful and precious. We sincerely apologize for the unexpected circumstances that arose during this event.

We will use this experience as a lesson to cooperate more closely with our partners and do our best to head in a better direction.

Above all, we hope that the sincerity of all of you who were with the artist and who did your best in the given situation will not be wasted, and that this occasion will remain as a precious memory for everyone who made it happen.

We also express our deepest gratitude to all the collaborators and staff who worked hard to prepare for the fan meeting, as well as to all the fans who attended and always supported actor Lee Soo Hyuk.

We will cherish everyone's sincerity and provide unwavering support for our future activities.

Thank you.

SARAM Entertainment

September 3, 2025

Instead of easing concerns, the statement triggered even more criticism. Fans felt the agency had romanticized the situation and failed to hold the organizers accountable. Comments flooded Instagram:

“Please put Soo Hyuk’s health first. Don’t want this to happen again.”

“Saram, please do your job, so that incidents like this don’t happen again in the future. Soo Hyuk’s health and safety is the most important thing.”

“Please let Soo-hyuk know that we are aware of how much hard work he put into this event. We are deeply grateful… but we truly hope he can take enough rest and stay healthy.”

Similar frustrations spread across Twitter/X, where fans voiced worries about his physical state and pointed out unusual changes in his behavior:

“I hope Lee Soo Hyuk is actually okay? 😭 omg.”

“I’m genuinely concern, what is happening with Lee Soo Hyuk? Why is he moving and behaving like that?”

“What is wrong with Lee Soo Hyuk really??? Is he on the same thing G-Dragon on??”

Others reminded people not to spread harmful speculation:

“Please be careful with your words. Spreading false claims about Lee Soo Hyuk’s behavior or body language is defamation, and it can bring serious consequences.”

Beyond the controversy, attention also turned to Lee Soo-hyuk’s resemblance to his close friend G-Dragon. Videos of him mimicking G-Dragon’s mannerisms—his walk, gestures, and aura—went viral, sparking debates online. Given their 20-year friendship, many fans found this unsurprising.

“They seem to be starting to look alike.”

“I think their habits rub off because they’re such close friends.”

“I love how solid their friendship is.”

This controversy has become a major test for Saram Entertainment, especially since Lee Soo-hyuk only left YG Entertainment to join them this past July. Fans now demand that the agency provide stronger protection for the actor, who has been active since 2006 as both a model and actor in dramas such as White Christmas, Scholar Who Walks the Night, and Doom at Your Service.

Currently, the public’s attention is not only on Lee Soo-hyuk’s health but also on how his agency will handle this crisis—and whether they will truly prioritize his well-being in the future.

Sources: Saram Entertainment Instagram, EBC Taiwan, MHN, Xports News, Daum