XngHan Airport Smoking Allegation Under Fire After Reportedly Getting Defensive With Fans

XngHan criticized for alleged fan confrontation in airport smoking room. 
Online reactions split over attitude vs. personal freedom. 
No statement from artist or agency.

Former RIIZE member Seunghan, now rebranded under the artist name XngHan, has officially embarked on his solo career, marking a new chapter after his tumultuous departure from the group. His exit was preceded by a series of controversies that led to a formal hiatus and, ultimately, his permanent removal from the SM Entertainment boy group following organized fan protests.

XngHan debut as a soloist was a significant moment for his dedicated fanbase, who have supported him through the upheaval, hoping for a fresh start where he could focus on his music and artistry away from the intense scrutiny of the idol system. This move to a solo career was seen as a chance for redemption and a way to connect with audiences on his own terms.

However, the path for a former idol is never simple, and XngHan has found himself at the center of yet another public debate just months into his new journey. The issue, once again, revolves around his personal habits and his perceived attitude towards fans, proving that the shadow of past scandals is long and inescapable.

Airport Smoking Room Incident Sparks Fresh Outrage

On September 8, a post on a popular online forum ignited a new firestorm. The post detailed a fan's account on social media X of an encounter with XngHan at an airport.

According to the viral post, the singer allegedly walked directly into an airport smoking room in front of fans and made a defiant statement.

"F* Seunghan apparently walked right into the airport smoking room in front of fangirls saying, 'Is there anyone who doesn't know I smoke?' and smoked a cigarette. F*. When fans tried to stop him, he snapped back 'Are you going to start nagging me about drinking too?' Did this guy completely lose his mind after suffering from some mental illness?" the X post explicitly revealed.

The original netizen who shared this added that an audio recording of the incident had surfaced, compounding the issue.

They crucially provided context, noting, "For reference, one of the controversies that led to him leaving his group before was because he smoked on the streets in Japan and did a live broadcast of it. So the reactions to this are worse now."

This direct link to his past transgressions amplified the negative reactions significantly.

The Court of Public Opinion: A Divided Response

The online community was swift to react, with many Korean netizens expressing a lack of surprise, framing the behavior as consistent with his past persona. The comments were sharply critical.

"Even before his debut, he had controversies because of his words and actions. Nothing's changed. That's just who he is and always was…"

"He literally left the group back then for the same kind of behavior. lol,"

"He just comes off as a frivolous person."

The sentiment from critics was that he either doesn't understand the responsibilities of a public figure or has consciously chosen to abandon them.

However, this incident is just the latest in a string of rumors that have dogged him. Previously, during his hiatus from RIIZE, a fan had posted a photo allegedly showing Seunghan with a friend and two girls buying large quantities of beer at a convenience store late at night, which was notably on the day of RIIZE's first fan concert. An accompanying comment to that rumor had cynically noted, "His life must be fun… Liking nightlife is in one's DNA. He was born to enjoy it, so what can you do?"

Yet, a sizable number of people rushed to his defense, arguing for his personal freedom and questioning the double standards applied to him. This defense was loud and clear in the wake of the smoking incident.

"I MEAN IS THERE ANYONE FROM SM WHO DON’T SMOKE ?! What I don’t understand is why is it not a problem when OTHER idol is rumored smoking/vaping or just holding a cig/vape BUT it is a BIG PROBLEM when it’s seunghan?"

"I actually want to know if there are still Xoulmates who believe these things and think Seunghan is wrong. WTH is wrong with you guys? Even if it’s true, he did nothing wrong if he smoked in a smoking area 🤬"

This division highlights the ongoing tension between the strict rules of idol culture and the reality of individual adults living their lives, even after leaving the system that once bound them.

As the online discourse continues to rage, with critics condemning his behavior and defenders championing his right to privacy, one crucial element is missing: an official statement. As of now, neither XngHan himself nor his former agency, SM Entertainment, has issued any public comment or clarification regarding the recent airport incident.

This silence leaves the narrative unfolding solely in the court of public opinion, fueled by fan accounts and online speculation. Without an official word, the story remains incomplete, leaving room for the rumors to solidify into public perception and for the debate over the boundaries between an artist's personal life and public persona to continue unabated. The ball is now in their court to address the situation, but for now, the only sounds are the echoes of a divided internet.

Source: Allkpop, X (formerly Twitter)