K-pop: Glamour or… Obsession?
K-pop, South Korea’s idol factory, is admired by many for its sparkling idols on stage. With top-notch outfits, cheering fans, and blinding flashes of light, it’s easy to get lost in the glam. But behind the fiery performances of K-pop idols lies a story that’s anything but sweet. The real “performance” often resembles an Oscar-worthy tragedy. Does the stage’s spotlight shine bright enough to hide these dark spots?
KG (VCHA): The Brave (or “Naive”?) Idol Who Exposed JYP
Recently, KG (VCHA), the brave (or stubborn?) girl, decided to part ways with JYP Entertainment after just one year. The reason? Simple – abuse, psychological assault, and a series of contracts that might make you want to throw your phone across the room after reading them.
She didn’t hesitate to express her feelings in an open letter that might make anyone rethink what it means to be an “artist”. KG revealed that she had accumulated an unimaginable amount of debt, while her salary barely covered a few breakfast meals, and the working conditions were so harsh that anyone would want to “quit”.
It’s Not Just KG: Other Major Lawsuits in K-pop
And if you think this is just KG’s story, you’re wrong! Other idols are also facing this “burden”. Take a look at EXO and Loona members, who have been fighting “slave contracts” for years. Let’s not forget about the historic lawsuit of JYJ – the end of TVXQ that many fans still can’t swallow to this day.
EXO: When “Chickens” Turn into… True Heroes
In 2023, SM Entertainment made headlines again with a drama of epic proportions when Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin demanded to cancel their “lifetime contracts”. Fans quickly crowned the three EXO boys as “labor superheroes” because not only were they overworked, but they were also banned from pursuing other careers.
Chen even humorously remarked in an interview: “We had to sing until our teeth fell out, yet SM still said we were ‘passionate theater performers’…”
Bound by sky-high terms, prohibited from pursuing other careers, and robbed of their youth. Imagine being stuck working for the company until you’re old and gray, and still being forced to “work like an ox” – is it any wonder they get frustrated?
Loona – Fighting for Their Rights
Loona’s story is just as tragic. After member Chuu left the group and filed a lawsuit against BlockBerry Creative in 2021, the entire group rallied to sue the company, with each court appearance involving all 10 idols. Allegations of unfair profit distribution and overwork forced the group into an ongoing battle for justice.
JYJ: The Epic Battle with SM Entertainment
Remember the legendary lawsuit between JYJ and SM Entertainment? These guys claimed they were exploited, forced to sign contracts that lasted into their gray-haired years, with no satisfaction in sight. TVXQ was not only torn apart but also faced countless difficulties when they returned under a new name. So, yes, K-pop is an industry that can take you to the top, but it can just as easily throw you into the abyss.
Hanni (NewJeans): The “Cry for Help” from Parliament and the Harsh Reality
We can’t overlook Hanni (NewJeans) and her bombshell statement during a parliamentary hearing. Surely, you’ve heard about this debate. Hanni boldly demanded better rights for idols and called for legal protection. However, the Ministry of Labor responded harshly, pouring cold water on her dream by ruling that idols aren’t considered “workers” under the law.
Despite the Ministry of Labor and Employment of South Korea rejecting Hanni’s complaint, stating that idols cannot be regarded as “workers” according to current laws, the issue doesn’t stop there. Could this be a sign of a future shift in how idols are treated?
Glamour is Still Glamour, But Behind It Lies a Sea of Trouble
So, K-pop will always have its dazzling stage lights and stellar performances, but we can’t deny that behind it all are stories that aren’t so “glamorous”. Perhaps it’s time for entertainment companies to rethink how they treat their idols – the people who make “products” for them.
And just like KG, EXO, or Loona, these battles are just beginning. So, is the K-pop glamour truly worth the sacrifices? No matter how hard the struggles are, those who are truly passionate will always be ready to step onto the stage and chase their dreams. As for you, would you dare face both the glamour and the darkness behind it?
