Netizens recalled the rather 'extreme' level of die-hard spirit when it came to 1st-gen fandoms.
Based on the word choice of their slogans, netizens were almost shocked to see the way fandoms of 1st-generation K-pop groups expressed their passion. On an online forum, a netizen shared images of fandoms at concerts back in the 90s and early 2000s, with 'deadly' slogans attracting the attention of groups including Sechs Kies, H.O.T, and g.o.d.
The slogans read:
"Ko Ji Yong, just kill me" (Sechs Kies fandom)
"Christ Seung Ho, I worship An Seung Ho, not God" (H.O.T's Tony An fandom)
"I love you... Ahn Danny!! Danny Suicide Squad" (g.o.d's Danny Ahn fandom)
Along with these images, the original poster could not help but write, "They were truly die-hard fans"
In the comments section, netizens added that the level of their zeal was so extreme that they even terrorized fellow idol groups. The stories they shared from the 1st-generation ranged from vandalizing cars to harming the members, including acts of physical assault and stalking.
Some had even extended their behavior to blackmailing Kan Mi Yeon from Baby V.O.X, writing that they will "kill her if they date (a member of) Sechs Kies." Another fan even shipped a dead cat to the girl group's dorm.
Another Baby V.O.X. member, Yoon Eun Hye, also made headlines during the era for having received a Pikachu plushie from a male fan, which unexpectedly shoot out water when squeezed and damaged her eye, which led her to promote wearing an eye patch.
Reactions include:
"It used to be CRAZY. They were honestly all verging on criminality"
"It was nothing compared to today, although I still do see some crazy fans out there"
"They even destroyed a car of a reporter when the news was out that Sechs Kies would disband"
"They basically terrorized Kan Mi Yeon on multiple occasions"
"Kan Mi Yeon and Yoon Eun Hye were serious victims of crime"
"They sent groups photos of their eye parts cut out, as well as knifes. They verbally assaulted them when idols were on stage and turned their backs when certain groups were performing..."
"They were honestly terrorist groups"
"Fansigns were really dangerous and idols literally got hurt from them. It even made the national TV news"
"They sent letters blackmailing girl groups"
"The root of sasaeng culture"