Recently, fans have banded together to raise their voice against SM Entertainment regarding the upcoming activities of SHINee's Minho.
On March 19, SHINee fans sent a protest truck to SM Entertainment's company building demanding they protect Minho. The protest trucks were sent in response to the news that Minho would join the program, 'The Ultimate Sports Men's Competition 2024.'
'The Ultimate Sports Men's Competition 2024' is an upcoming Japanese variety show scheduled to premiere on May 3 on the Japanese TV station TBS. This special program brings together competitors who demonstrate their exceptional athletic skills across a range of competitions. Notably, Minho has been highlighted as a "representative sports idol."
Fans sent a statement in response to the news and explained, "We would like to announce the position of the fans regarding the recent cancellation request of the recording for the 'The Ultimate Sports Men's Competition' that SHINee's Minho is scheduled to appear on. The show does not contribute to the artist's career at all and once the image of an idol is damaged, it would be hard to recover the image. Additionally, the safety of the show is not guaranteed and there is uncertainty about the risks the artist may face. This is a significant issue that could affect the preparation of SHINee's mini-album in May. Since the health of the artist and SHINee's activities are the top priorities for the fans, we demand that your company cancel the recording."
The protest trucks also relayed fans' messages by displaying the phrases, "Immediately cancel the schedules that can lead to injuries," "The activities as a singer and actor are the main (focus). Please protect the artist's safety," "Fans are requesting active promotions and adequate schedule support for Minho where he can show his diverse charms and talent as a singer and actor," and "Stop exposing our idol to danger! SM Center 2 must guarantee the health and safety of its artists and manage the artists with them as a prior interest!"
Korean netizens commented, "There has to be a reason his fans are sending protest trucks like that," "I'm getting tired of protest trucks. He's not a rookie so he has a say too," "The protest truck companies are making good money," "I think the fans want Minho to see this message too so that he can choose the right schedules," "I don't want my artist to appear in a foreign variety show too where he can get really hurt," "He's not a rookie anymore, so doesn't he have a say?" "So it's a Japanese show?" "Yeah, why does he have to go all the way to Japan to participate in a show like this?" and "I'm sure he's going on the show because he wants to though."