Soobin, the leader of K-pop group TXT, has reportedly been targeted in a fan-driven attempt to involve U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The incident followed an immigration raid in Georgia detaining over 300 South Korean workers. Many of those workers reportedly held valid visas.
The controversy began when a rival K-pop fan allegedly submitted a false immigration tip about Soobin. They claimed Soobin was in the U.S. illegally. The tip was accompanied by a message stating, “Got word that Soobin from TXT was in California. Let’s just say… the situation will be dealt with accordingly.” This action has sparked widespread criticism, with many labeling it as an abuse of the immigration system for personal vendettas.
The timing of this incident is particularly sensitive. The raid at the Hyundai facility in Georgia, which occurred on September 4, 2025, was part of a broader crackdown on alleged unlawful practices. However, reports have surfaced indicating that ICE violated protocols by detaining individuals without proper warrants or verification of their citizenship status. This has raised concerns about the agency’s conduct and the potential for wrongful detentions.
In response to the backlash, fans of Soobin, known as MOAs, have expressed their anger online. They argue that using the immigration system to target an individual over fandom rivalries is not only unethical but also harmful. One fan commented, “Ya’ll brain-rotted K-pop stans deserve the hottest hell for weaponizing ICE in the name of your fanwars.”
This incident has ignited a broader discussion about the responsibilities of fans and the ethical boundaries of online behavior. While competition among fandoms is common, many believe that crossing into real-world issues, especially those as serious as immigration enforcement, is unacceptable.
As of now, there has been no official response from ICE or Soobin’s agency, BigHit Music. However, the situation continues to develop, and many are awaiting further statements from the involved parties.
