We're having another discussion today, girlies, because P-pop girl group BINI is creating buzz once again. But it's not for their performances or interesting outtakes with fans. This time, they drew mixed reactions for wearing masks and caps at the airport. Why is that a problem, you ask? Well, the public didn't get the chance to take a full look at them, which led to some social-media users saying that the girls are "OA" for "excessively" covering their faces.
While there are fans who think there's nothing wrong with BINI's recent airport outfit, there are others who think it's displeasing to see from celebrities. Some posts compared BINI to stars like BLACKPINK or Sarah Geronimo who were reportedly spotted with bare faces at airports, thus giving the public the chance to recognize them.
Some Pinoys also negatively highlighted how BINI is "just" a group from the P-pop industry, and not K-pop idols. The implication being that K-celebs are more famous than the local girl group and therefore have more justification to act a certain way.
BINI's Recent Privacy Incidents
Let's look at the big picture first. The comparison and the mixed reactions came after incidents of fans invading BINI's privacy in public places were reported. BINI Aiah and Star Magic's head executive Laurenti Diyogi have since pleaded with the public to respect BINI's privacy and personal space.
On July 4, 2024, the girl group's talent agency also posted an advisory on BINI's official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating it would take "appropriate action to protect our artists." Following their statement, Direk Laurenti uploaded a video through BINI's social media accounts addressing "disturbing" instances of fans invading some of the girls' personal space during their free time in public.
"I was able to see some very disturbing videos of some of our members who didn't seem to enjoy their break from the very stressful three-night concert. They went to a public place because they wanted to unwind and to spend their time with their families," he began to explain.
Mentioning the incidents, "Si Maloi, she was supposed to have dinner with her family. Pero hindi na niya na-enjoy...People were so excited to see her. They asked for pictures really disrupting the dinner that was supposed to be spent with her family."
He proceeds to emphasize proper fan etiquette towards BINI. "Alam ko excited kayo makita sila but please remember na sila po ay nanggagaling din po sa very hectic schedule these past few months and more hectic schedules. We also want to give them their own semblance of spending regular life...Kung pwede ho bigyan po natin sila ng pagkakataong ma-enjoy naman 'yun."
And then there was BINI Aiah who humbly asked people to treat them as human beings and to always be kinder with words and actions towards everyone, especially online.
A part of her Instagram statement read, "But I just hope that people also see and respect us as human beings. We don't always get to go out lately because we have been busy with work, and the least we can ask for is for others to respect our personal time and our humanity. Lastly, I also want to remind everyone to be kinder with their words and actions, especially when expressed online. You never know how much it could take a toll on somebody and affect them on a daily basis. I hope we can fill this world with love, respect, and positivity."
ALSO READ: BINI And Celebs Are Still Entitled Their Personal Space In Public
Similar privacy concerns in South Korea
There have been similar instances in South Korea today, vilifying K-celebs for allegedly using "excessive" security when in airports. A recent case in point is Byeon Woo Seok. He has been a viral topic after his private bodyguards reportedly flashed lights at random airport customers, blocked airport gates, and randomly checked the tickets of passengers last July 12, 2024. The incident was reported to South Korea's human rights commission.
There was a back and forth of statements from the Incheon International Airport, the actor's agency, VARO Entertainment, and the private security company hired for Woo Seok. As it was acknowledged that there were civilians inconvenienced by the incident, the actor's agency apologized. VARO claimed that they weren't fully aware of the security protocols during the airport appearance and were only informed after the report was publicized. The CEO of the security company has also apologized for bringing harm to Woo Seok's name.
Despite all involved parties apologizing for their mistakes, the incident still didn't sit right with fans who continue to air out their sentiments against the actor. They've been saying he's developed a "star complex" after his sudden fame (thanks to the global hit, Lovely Runner) and didn't even need that much security.
However, the real situation tells otherwise. Hundreds of fans flock to every airport he's in, mobbing him wherever he goes, even in parking lots. It was also reported in June 2024 that several sasaengs followed the actor's vehicle when he was in Taiwan for an official fan meeting.
Feeling K-Pop?
Facts first: Whether a celebrity is Filipino or Korean, an idol or an actor, everyone is entitled to their own privacy and security. To put it simply, safety does not discriminate across nationalities.
So, whether BINI strolls along airport hallways all covered up from head-to-toe—or if, by any chance, they face the public during unofficial schedules with a bare face—it's none of our business. Time and time again, people should be reminded that celebrities are humans, too, and they should always be given the chance to achieve comfort and peace wherever they go. Besides, celebrities experience different circumstances in their career. Certain facets of their fame may not be fully seen in public, so there's no need to compare celebrities and their behavior.
After everything, we should accept that no one—especially celebrities—could ever please everybody. Everyone is bound to have an opinion. But it doesn't take too much brainpower to understand that celebrities have the right to prioritize their safety and their comfort anywhere, anytime. Just like ordinary citizens. And if they choose to be like that in airports, it shouldn't be a problem at all.
The Unnecessary Hate Isn't Giving
Since social media is an echo chamber of all sorts of opinions, it's imperative for everyone to be reminded that our opinions affect these celebrities in one way or another. Being kinder every day contributes to a better and healthier community—whether it's in the P-pop, K-pop, or K-drama community.
There's so much being said against the celebrities we've mentioned. People continuously weigh in on the issues—which, of course, they have a right to. We're a free country after all. What's not okay are the inevitably hateful comments personally directed at these personalities just because BINI members were all covered up and because Woo Seok's security team made a mistake.
It's one thing to express your thoughts on their behavior in public, and we're not saying that we can never call out celebrities, but it's another thing completely to put out discriminating and degrading remarks against artists. We'll never know the entirety of celebrities' thoughts and feelings unless they say it outright themselves. But it won't hurt to not say harmful words against anyone at all.
They say these kinds of instances are the price to pay for someone's popularity, but frankly speaking, it's just people being painfully rude and mean. We should never normalize that.
