Boy Group Member Sparks Backlash Over Fans’ Controversial Behavior

NCT WISH’s Sion is facing backlash after his ceremonial first pitch at a KIA Tigers baseball game sparked complaints about fan behavior.

On May 24, 2026 (KST), Sion threw the first pitch at the KIA Tigers vs. SSG Landers game at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field. Known as a longtime KIA Tigers fan, Sion’s appearance was part of the team’s “True Fan Relay First Pitch” event. After the game, some fans even called him a “victory fairy” as the Tigers won 3-2.

The controversy began when posts on theqoo accused some NCT WISH fans at the stadium of bad manners. Complaints included fans standing in aisles, focusing on filming Sion instead of watching the game, leaving trash behind, and crowding areas after his appearance.

One post criticized fans for leaving once Sion was out of sight, saying they should just go home if they only came to film him.

“I was wondering what happened LOL. Looks like he was down there. There was some kind of event, and all his fans rushed down. They have no manners. The security got involved, but they wouldn’t listen. Instead, they took over everyone else’s seats. They were out of control. I just wanted him to go home so they would all leave.”
— Baseball Fan

Another fan expressed frustration over fans taking seats without watching the game.

“The damn citizen or netizen or whoever the f*ck pissed me off again today LOL. Why take the seats if you’re not here to watch the damn game? The same thing happened last year too. Like, if you’re going to come pitch, teach your fans some manners first. This fandom is such a nuisance.”
— Baseball Fan

Trash left behind by fans also drew ire. Photos showed cups and garbage near seats, with fans having to clean up afterward.

“NCT Sion fans… You should have picked up after yourselves. Because you left all this trash behind, my friends and I stayed to clean it up. We couldn’t even enjoy the game because you with your big cameras were so distracting. I’m so mad. Like, get a grip. I assume you all got in with reseller tickets. The way you all walked out after Sion left, I was flabbergasted.”
— Baseball Fan

“Is it a rule for NCT fans to leave their trash behind? I’m asking because I don’t know. To be exact, only the area where they were sitting…”
— Baseball Fan

Fans also pointed out how this behavior reflected poorly on Sion, who was invited because of his known support for the KIA Tigers.

“That NCT? Sion fans? Do you really not understand why the KIA fans are cursing at you all? If you don’t want your idol to get bashed, you need to behave properly. You all littered and harassed everyone else there to watch the game with your cameras blocking the view. Oh, you didn’t? Then you need to get mad at the fans who did. Not the Kia fans rightfully upset.”
— Baseball Fan

The criticism spread widely online, with many netizens saying poor fan behavior only harms the idol’s image. Several comments noted that NCT WISH fans have a history of public etiquette issues.

“They know that if they act like that, their idol gets criticized too, so why do they do this?”
“It’s fascinating that WISH is the one that gets talked about every time.”
“They really… never change.”
“Other NCT fans don’t cause this much noise, but WISH is always a mess. It’s not just the baseball stadium or the Government-General building issue.”
“It’s them again.”
“WISH again..? LOL. Among NCT, this team in particular seems to get talked about a lot.”
“Ugh.”
“Always. Every time.”
“So freaking disgusting. I hate them so much. Please stop coming to baseball stadiums.”
“That fandom seriously has such an inflated sense of self and no manners.”
“Czennies again? LOL. It may be about a different member, but the fans cause the same level of nuisance every single time. Legendary.”

While Sion himself was not accused of any wrongdoing, this incident highlights how fan conduct can impact an idol’s reputation. What should have been a proud moment for Sion as a KIA Tigers fan turned into a heated debate over fan manners and stadium etiquette.

Read more about NCT WISH’s Sion here:

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