For many decades, we've witnessed numerous counts of fan pandemonium all over the world. Do you recall the comeback of pop music in the late 90s, when the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC would shut down Times Square during repeated visits to the TRL set, because of the overwhelming amount of fans that showed up to see them? How many crying fans there were? We've also found ourselves a new generation of fans, thanks to the likes of the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, and all the other Disney Brat Packers.
But the most amusing fan-induced pandemonium is found in Asia. Often at airports. There is nothing that compares to the devotion of fangirls and fanboys in Asia, and we figured, why not track down the best fan airport clips on Youtube. Although the clips are limited to those recorded in the past couple of years, these videos all deserve a spot on this list.
You'll find that DBSK fans have quite a devotion to the Korean idol group, as it's easy to find hundreds of DBSK arrivals at various Asian airports. Some include multiple videos of the same arrivals, shot from different fans' cell phones, while some even include fan-made arrivals, where background music (a tune from DBSK of course) accompany the clips. Some are appropriate, and some are... not so appropriate. But, whatever happens, fangirls are quick to defend DBSK in any way possible, even jumping to explain how a said incident happened based on their own account.
Fancams make the best clips over a televised news station clips because you get to really experience what's going on. You feel what a fangirl feels when her favorite star walks by her, sometimes acknowledging her, and sometimes not. You hear the bloodcurdling screams at an airport quite well. Fancams make glorious pieces of media because they give you an insight that a news camera would not be able to provide. Some fancam videos even include rules for etiquette in an airport. I mean -- Folks, this is serious stuff here. We are not to harm the worshipped idol: Rules MUST be followed. Of course, it all goes out the window when they want to get as close as possible to their favorite star. Some will do anything. Really. Anything.
But without further ado, here's the list. Enjoy. But watch out for your eyes and ears.
Yamapi and Jun Shirota in Korea
In this highly publicized scene, Yamashita Tomahisa (Idol from Japanese talent agency Johnny's and Associates) was vacationing in Korea with a friend, Shirota Jun (the younger brother of D-BOYS talent Shirota Yuu), as well as some other friends. When word got around of his vacationing, 1,000 Korean fans arrived at the airport to see him off. Yamapi, as fans know him by nickname, has to pass through a crowd of screaming Korean girls at the Gimpo Airport. In reports, he received injuries and even got his hair pulled (ouch!), while trying to help a fallen fan in the crowd (who later proceeded to take his picture after his help). It was also later reported that he lost his bag as well, while in Korea.
Arashi in Taiwan
Although you can't spot the Japanese idol group quite clearly in the video, the sheer entertainment comes through in this fancam of Arashi fans in Shanghai. Arashi arrives in Shanghai for a concert stint during their Arashi Around Asia tour in 2008. Word of warning though, this video might induce some bleeding to your ears – and the shakiness of the video is quite reminiscent of the Blair Witch Project, except the fans are a lot more enthusiastic.
Fan gets knocked out by DBSK manager in Korea
Dong Bang Shin Ki (DBSK) deserves a lot of credit. The Korean pop group has dealt with numerous crazy accounts: such as when leader Yunho was poisoned by an anti-fan by a drink sent to him in the mail, when another anti-fan shouted profanity and struck Changmin with a backpack, and when one had to be carried through an airport by a staff member. The DBSK fans are easily the most enthusiastic fans out of any Asian pop idol fans, since they have a huge following everywhere around the world. Kudos to the boys for dealing with this wide amount of pandemonium, but perhaps the best airport scene that captures the spirit of DBSK fandom, is this video (above). It displays the lengths a staff member will go to protect the Korean idols. It's not exactly a video to laugh at, but you can easily witness how serious fans are.
‘Nobody' but you, Wondergirls
Korean girl group Wondergirls are on the rise to becoming international pop stars. They've been recognized numerous times by celebrity blogger Perez Hilton on his website, they've had US concerts, and they are slowly working their way to debuting in America. Even more fitting, like nearly almost every American celebrity now, they “Twitter.” And while some fans exhibit crazy behavior, the Wondergirls fans in Singapore greeted the Korean pop stars with a sweet rendition of their hit, “Nobody” – in Korean! It's definitely much more pleasing to the ear than the usual bloodcurdling screams.
Michael Jackson in Japan
The King of Pop is still, well the King of Pop, as he makes a visit to Japan in 2007. His arrival at the Narita airport created a frenzy amongst fans, as he was making his visits for some fan appreciation events, and later, a surprise visit to popular group SMAP on their show SMAPxSMAP. Despite all the negative media attention over the past years, it's good to know MJ still has it.
Nine Inch Nails greeted by Japanese fans at Hong Kong International Airport
Nine Inch Nails has fans in Hong Kong, but in Japan? This is not the most common greeting a band could find once arriving at an airport, but you must admit, it's kind of a charming clip -- and much more refreshing from the millions of clips featuring screaming fangirls and fanboys.
Daniel Radcliffe's Japan Visit
Crying Japanese girls? Harry Potter cosplayers? All a part of Daniel Radcliffe's arrival at Narita Airport in Tokyo, Japan. While also attending the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix premiere, Radcliffe made a couple of appearances on some Japanese television shows, including this “magic school" visit prepared by some Japanese high school girls and V6 members, Masayuki Sakamoto and Hiroshi Nagano on the V6 show, Gakkou e Ikou Max.
Hyori Lee in Shanghai, China
In this particular fancam, Korea's sexiest pop star makes a visit to Shanghai for some work. Upon her arrival; both fans and paparazzi immediately mob her, following her from the gate to the parking lot. Its all sort of fanatic behavior displayed in one clip – and clearly, Hyori Lee isn't all too welcoming of it.
Shinhwa's Quick Exit at Guangzhou Airport
Shinhwa, a Korean boy band formed around the turn of the century by SM Entertainment makes a quick exit in what is probably the shortest Youtube clip on this list. However, it doesn't mean the screams from the Chinese fans at the Guangzhou Airport aren't deafening. Can you spot all the matching orange outfits in the crowd?
Lee Hom Wang's most embarrassing fan?
Even if you do not understand a word of what the Chinese fans are saying, it's still amusing to hear the excitement behind their voices. The fact they keep zooming in and out with their camera on Lee Hom Wang's face is even more amusing. Also, fangirls easily squirm and squeal over his quite, uninteresting behavior.
Honorable mentions
Vic Zhou in Hong Kong
It's sheer madness when F4's Vic Zhou arrives at the Hong Kong International Airport and is greeted, by probably a thousand fans. Zhou was made popular after the Meteor Garden series (the Taiwanese adaptation of Boys Over Flowers). Although a short clip, the walk seemed quite endless.
SRK at airport in Amsterdam
Shahrukh Khan airport scenes are rare, but in this clip of the Bollywood star's arrival at the Schipol Airport in Amsterdam for his concert in 2008. As always, SRK is gracious to his fans and drives away in style in a white Mercedes Benz.
Yoshiki at Don Muang Airport
Music really knows no language boundaries – who would have known Yoshiki (X Japan member) had such a huge fanbase in Thailand? Yoshiki appeared for a fan meeting in Bangkok and was greeted by an overwhelming amount of screaming fangirls. Did you know Yoshiki is pushing 50? The man really doesn't age.
Published: Friday, June 5, 2009