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YOASOBI Concert at AsiaWorld-Expo: Fan Removed for Standing and “Call-and-Response” Cheering
By Ren Baoying | Published: December 27, 2024, 13:33 | Updated: December 27, 2024, 15:19
A minor incident occurred during the first night of Japanese music sensation YOASOBI’s two-night concert (December 26-27) at AsiaWorld-Expo Arena. A male fan in the seated area was allegedly removed by security personnel for standing up and waving his glow stick, participating in the “call-and-response” style of cheering common in Japanese concerts. This action reportedly sparked a dispute with other audience members seated behind him, leading to his removal just 15 minutes into the concert.
An eyewitness told Hong Kong 01 that the male fan argued with security, claiming there were no rules prohibiting standing. He even encouraged other audience members to join him in standing and cheering. The eyewitness criticized the incident, stating it negatively impacted the atmosphere, deterring others in the section from standing. She questioned the security personnel’s authority, asking, “Do security guards have the right to forcibly remove someone like this?” Hong Kong 01 is currently seeking clarification from AsiaWorld-Expo on the incident.
Fan Lifted and Carried Away
YOASOBI, following their appearance at Clockenflap last year, returned to Hong Kong for their “YOASOBI Live In Hong Kong 2024” concert. Tickets for the two-night event sold out rapidly.
Multiple online videos captured the incident, showing a male fan in an orange shirt, holding a glow stick, being carried away by at least four security guards from the front row of Block 4. His left leg was lifted, while his right foot was wedged between the railings, indicating his reluctance to leave. After some struggle, he was lifted and carried away, his shirt momentarily pulled up during the process.
“Call-and-Response” Culture Sparks Conflict
Coco, an eyewitness, stated that Block 4 comprised the most expensive seats, priced at HK$1480. She recounted that the male fan had been standing and participating in “call-and-response” cheering—a style of enthusiastic audience participation involving movement and glow stick waving—from the first song. Audience members behind him reportedly complained repeatedly, asking him to sit down. When he refused, security intervened. Coco described the situation as heated, with both sides unwilling to compromise.
Coco mentioned that the male fan questioned the lack of a rule prohibiting standing, while security responded that they had received complaints. A female staff member also attempted to intervene but was unsuccessful. The male fan even urged other audience members to adopt the Japanese “call-and-response” cheering style and stand. Fifteen minutes into the concert, during the third song, security personnel removed him. Approximately half an hour later, he was released and allowed to return to his seat, remaining seated for the remainder of the performance.
Questions Raised about Security’s Actions
Coco expressed her belief that standing to enjoy a performance is acceptable. She recalled a recent concert by Taiwanese band, Gossiping, at the same venue where many audience members, even in seated areas, stood to watch the performance, highlighting the importance of atmosphere. She questioned the incident, stating: “Do security guards have the right to forcibly remove someone like this? Who would be responsible if someone were injured? Were there better ways to handle this? If standing is not allowed, why wasn’t it clearly stated in the rules, allowing security to exercise power based on such a vague boundary?”
YOASOBI is a globally popular Japanese music duo consisting of Ayase and ikura. (IG@ayase_0404)
Concert Atmosphere Affected
Coco criticized the security personnel’s handling of the situation, claiming it negatively impacted the atmosphere, preventing other audience members from standing. Only towards the end of the concert, when YOASOBI encouraged the audience to stand and dance, did a few people begin to participate in “call-and-response” cheering again. She observed that many fans in opposite sections were standing, even extending beyond the rows, without being stopped, leading her to believe the fan in the orange shirt was simply “unlucky.”
A photo of a male fan in the HK$1480 seating area being forcibly removed by security is included. (Provided by interviewee)
