Fans of (G)I-DLE’s Miyeon expressed disappointment following a recent promotional event in Taiwan for a cosmetics brand. The event, a “Hi-Bye” interaction, was marketed as an opportunity for fans to meet the K-pop star up close. However, attendees reported that the encounter lasted barely a second, leaving many feeling shocked and dissatisfied.
Fans Spent Heavily But Faced Brief, Rushed Interactions With Miyeon at Event
To participate, fans were required to purchase products from the brand, with winners selected based on spending. Numerous attendees reportedly spent over NT$10,000 (around US$300) buying multiple sets to secure a chance to see Miyeon. Despite their investment, videos shared online showed fans quickly moving past her, with staff urging them to keep advancing. Some attendees said they barely had time to greet her, and others didn’t even notice her location before being ushered along.
Complications arose even before fans reached Miyeon. Attendees had to gather outside the venue early to verify identities, causing them to miss the main press conference where she appeared. Many were forced to watch the appearance via live broadcast on their phones, which left them feeling frustrated and excluded from the experience.
Fans Criticize Event Chaos, Unauthorized Access, and Poorly Managed Celebrity Interaction Experience
Crowd management at the event also drew criticism. Fans described confusion around lines and reports of individuals entering restricted media areas or joining winner queues without authorization. Adding to the controversy, netizens discovered someone claiming to be the child of a cosmetics counter manager allegedly sold exclusive photo cards intended only for promotion participants.
In response to complaints, the brand reportedly offered a small compensation package including photo cards and product samples, though no formal public statement was issued.
The incident has fueled debate over paid fan-service events, highlighting concerns over short interactions and unclear expectations. Many fans felt the experience, combined with high costs and disorganized management, failed to meet expectations. What was meant to be a memorable encounter with Miyeon instead left attendees feeling disappointed and frustrated, sparking discussions across social media.
