SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu Faces Backlash Over Alcohol Incident at Austin Concert

UPDATE: A controversial incident involving SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu during a concert in Austin, Texas on October 22, 2025 has ignited a heated debate over concert etiquette and perceived favoritism towards Western fans. As the group continues its U.S. tour, fans are expressing outrage over Mingyu’s actions after he was seen taking a shot of alcohol with a fan who held a sign requesting the interaction.

The moment quickly went viral on social media, with numerous fans sharing their astonishment. One user tweeted, “the shot mingyu took was in our section; I was speechless when I saw him drink it.” However, this seemingly light-hearted interaction has prompted serious concerns over the implications of such behavior, particularly regarding the safety and health messaging around alcohol consumption at public events.

Critics have taken to social media, arguing that Mingyu’s actions reflect a troubling disparity in how SEVENTEEN interacts with fans in different regions. Fans from Southeast Asia (SEA) are alleging that they face stricter regulations and monitoring compared to their Western counterparts, with many citing a December 27, 2024 fan etiquette notice from Pledis Entertainment that outlined stringent rules on fan interactions.

One fan expressed frustration, stating, “Many felt that the notice was directed towards us with the timing,” especially after the group faced challenges during their Japan concerts. In contrast, during the Austin concert, members were seen hugging fans and exchanging gifts, actions that SEA fans claim are often prohibited in their countries.

The situation escalated as fans accused SEVENTEEN and their management of favoritism, and some even labeled the actions as racially insensitive. One user wrote, “It feels like they are chasing Western validation, honestly it comes across as low-key racist toward SEA fans.”

While many fans argue that the differences in treatment are glaring, others have pushed back against these claims. Some pointed out instances where SEVENTEEN has shown affection and acceptance of gifts during concerts in SEA, asserting that the group has historically been limited in touring Western regions and has focused heavily on Asian markets.

As this debate continues to unfold, the immediate implications for SEVENTEEN’s reputation and their relationship with international fans remain uncertain. With concert dates still ongoing, the group faces an uphill battle in addressing the concerns of their diverse fanbase.

What’s Next: Fans are eagerly watching how SEVENTEEN and Pledis will respond to the backlash. Will they modify their approach to fan interactions as the tour progresses? This developing story highlights the complexities of global fandom and cultural expectations, making it a critical moment for both SEVENTEEN and their management.

Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding situation as fans and critics alike continue to share their thoughts on social media.