Members of the K-pop boy band Fantasy Boys have repeatedly made the same hand gesture while interacting with fans, raising concerns among fans that it may not be just a casual movement, but rather a sign implying something more serious.
Recently, posts speculating that Fantasy Boys members are signaling for help using an SOS gesture have gained attention across various online communities.
The gesture involves opening the palm fully with all five fingers, folding the thumb inward, and wrapping the remaining four fingers over it—a motion that the members have repeatedly shown.
A hand signal known to mean “I need help”… Used in real-life rescue cases
At first glance, it may appear to be an ordinary gesture, but it is actually a recognized international signal for requesting help. This hand gesture was developed in the aftermath of the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020 in the U.S. and Canada to allow domestic violence victims to discreetly seek help without alerting abusers. It was created by the Canadian Women’s Foundation in collaboration with the U.S.-based Women’s Funding Network to convey that someone is experiencing abuse and needs assistance.
The signal spread worldwide through platforms like TikTok and has already been used in actual rescue cases. In one notable instance in North Carolina, a missing 16-year-old girl used the gesture from the back seat of a vehicle. A driver behind the car recognized the sign and called the police, leading to her successful rescue. The perpetrator was later arrested on charges related to unlawful confinement and sexual assault.
Concerning signals in fan communication apps
What worries Fantasy Boys fans even more is the possibility that this gesture might not be part of a performance but a sign hinting at the members’ current state. The hand gesture has been repeatedly seen in live broadcasts and on fan communication apps, and recent messages from members have revealed signs of psychological and physical distress.
Member Kang Min Seo wrote messages such as “Just got off work,” “I don’t think I’m okay,” and “It’s a bit overwhelming,” implying mental fatigue. Hong Sung Min also expressed signs of exhaustion, stating, “It was a hard day again,” and “I’ve been going nonstop since morning.” Meanwhile, Lee Han Bin revealed that he went to the hospital due to bleeding from his ear, indicating a physical issue.
Concerns intensified when Kang Min Seo missed a scheduled video call fan event on May 4 due to health issues.
Fans are increasingly questioning whether the repeated gestures, concerning messages, and missed events are all interconnected, and are calling for closer attention to the members’ condition.
They are also urging the agency and adults around the group to ensure that the members are not sending distress signals under pressure and to care for their mental and physical health properly.
Fantasy Boys was formed on June 8, 2023, through MBC’s reality competition program Fantasy Boys. The group comprises ten members: Kang Min Seo, Lee Han Bin, Hong Seong Min, Kim Woo Seok, Oh Hyeon Tae, Kim Gyu Rae, Hikari, Hikaru, Kaedan, and Ling Qi.
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