We also sincerely apologize for disappointing everyone by letting the unfortunate matter happen, as well as for the inadequate way that the company has been dealing with it up to now. They were being hit right in front of me but I couldnt do anything. Where American artists often spend a year recording an album and then take a year or two off, the downtime for K-pop is at most a couple of months. I like you. For most fans, a steady stream of quality content is seen as the biggest indicator of proper management. Pre-Debut. Following the concert, Kang Seong Hee grabbed Jaehan, who has symptoms of panic disorder, by the collar at the hotel lobby and pushed him to the floor. Tzuyu greeted online viewers as Taiwanese and she held up a Republic of China flag. After being proven innocent, his agency announced that they would be taking legal action and seek compensation for the damage done to his reputation and the charges and rumors that stemmed from them. Mainland China government (Peoples Republic of China) considers Taiwan under its jurisdiction although many of the islanders consider themselves independent, representing themselves as the Republic of China. eventAction: 'view' K-pop stars, like (G)I-dle's Soojin, MONSTA X's Kihyun, SEVENTEEN's Mingyu, and Stray Kids' Hyunjin, are just some of those who have been accused of bullying by former classmates. }); Another popular practice in South Koreas entertainment industry is, sexual favors for job opportunities or media exposure, which is known as sponsorship. Some netizens remained doubtful of his sincerity and actions. Even though she dropped the lawsuit, she said that that does not change the truth. Soon after, three more women stepped forward all claiming that they too had been raped by the singer in a bathroom. Mismanagement relates to how a group's activities and schedules are handled by their label. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), Thank you for your knowledge about kpop ,didnt know how much they have to go through. fans. EXO. Latest news of suicide of the idol Jonghyun (member of boy group SHINEE) who belonged to SM Entertainment (Top 3 Agency) shook the very core of all fans. In 2016, the popular Korean actor was reportedly being investigated for sexual assault. I felt a little skeptical, like Why do I have to go to this extent in order to work? I had to waste my training and personal time on going to these meetings where theyd drink. window.googletag.cmd.push(function() { The K-entertainment industry's dependent . He left in 2014 to launch a successful solo career as a singer, actor, model and talent show judge. K-pop controversies saw an all-time high in 2022, with every month bringing with it some unfortunate news. Guys, I was waiting outside for the Uber Eats that I ordered and I saw the company CEO hitting the members. Many Kpop female stars revealed that they were sexually assaulted, Colleagues Shower Song Hye Kyo with Love and Congratulations after Her Win at Baeksang Awards, BLACKPINKs North American Encore Concerts Are Not Selling Out? There are many sexual harassment behaviors, but I have never experienced it. Indeed, the preparations start young: typically, K-pop idols are recruited between the age of ten and thirteen. Visuals of such dorms were often freely seen in earlier variety shows, such as 'Invincible Youth' which revealed the four members of Secret sleeping in a small room that barely allowed enough space for their two mattresses. To maintain slim body figures, idols are, to restrictive diets and intense exercise regimen. The seven-member group debuted with their self-titled single album in April 2019 and went on to promote their release across major music shows. While the allegations were already serious enough, the supposed victims boyfriend submitted her underwear and clothes to the police as evidence. K-pop idols are bred from tense, competitive environments. Kang is married to Chairman Hwang Seong Woo, so she still holds a connection. From 2010 to 2012, he harassed 10 female trainees, even six of whom were underage. Pledis Entertainment stuck by their idol and released a statement saying the claims were completely untrue. 1. Omega X has taken steps to press charges against Spire Entertainment's former CEO, accusing Kang Seong-hee of verbal and physical abuse, including sexual harassment, the k-pop group announced in . He told me, I see you as a woman. "We want to see the idols we like do better," Chelsea S., a Black K-pop fan since 2006, said. about extreme sleep deprivation and exhaustion. You can check the DNA on it, the sasaeng fan, . With the idol title comes an expectation that your group and fans must be. Though labels have stopped forcing slave contracts, stars now face potential backlash from their fans. In a recent controversy, Irene from Red Velvet was criticized for reading a best-selling feminist novel 'Kim Ji Young, Born 1982' by Cho Nam Joo. August 2, 2020. For instance, after five years in the industry, FIESTARs Cao Lu was living off $450 eachmonth. ga('ads.send', { Leading up to Sullis suicide, she was harassed with. He said he was so drunk he couldnt remember anything. Seo Jiyoung would constantly physically assault Lee Jihye, and would even invite some of her family members to join. Park. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('impressionViewable', function(event) { document.querySelector("#google_image_div").addEventListener('click',function(){ About 11.3% of youth aged 15 to 29 in South Korea are unemployed. They are not tools or robots. There is only one China. After actress Jang Ja-yeon committed suicide in 2009 upon being forced to act as an escort, the National Human Rights Commission found that 60.2% of South Korean actresses have been asked to provide sexual services to politicians or businessmen and that 6% were victims of sexual crimes. The suicides by two of K-pop's most beloved stars have left fans in South Korea soul-searching over what has gone wrong in K-pop, their country's most successful cultural export. allegations of sexual assault and abuse, the industry. The label later revealed via a statement that the three members had been hospitalized, providing no more details, causing fans to accuse them of mistreating and abusing the idols. The members are worried and afraid after suffering a great deal of gaslighting and abuse, and they have many concerns. }) if(document.querySelector("#adunit")){ They relentlessly work toward their dreams, unhindered by decades of seemingly infinite extortion. On one side of the spectrum exists sasaeng fans, who obsessively stalk and harass their favored idols for personal information. She posted various pieces of evidence including videos of her speaking with Baekho and Kakao Talk conversations. Despite their hard work and commitment to high academic achievement, the younger generation is constantly confronting systemic economic hardships perhaps it is worth it to chase one dream than to fall victim to reality. I really didnt know what to do since my hands were shaking so much. And that essentially is their answer to allegations of mistreatment: the girls are being managed properly, finally. Good luck. hitType: 'event', Disclaimer: I am not Korean, this is based on other people's experiences and research online. After a thorough investigation, evidence was found that Yoochuns first accuser had contacted his company and sought monetary compensation prior to filing the police report. However, they reported the distorted truth on the internet again with the purpose of slandering Jisoo. From the fame to the perceived wealth, everything about becoming an idol, someone with the ability to model, act, sing and dance, is enticing to the young performers in South Korea. I was the only woman there and when we got in the taxi, he held my hand. Companies prey on this ambition for their own profits, cultivating them into paragons of the music industry while denying basic human rights and freedoms. Idols are plagued by demands of nonexistent, unattainable attitudes of perfection. It may take ten years for an agency to groom the trainee and for them to . Simply being called an idol signifies an unspoken burden of perfection. The victim said that Onew was very drunk so thats why he acted the way he did. When that celeb is a K-pop idol, the impact is greatest of all - and that fate has just befallen former BtoB member Jung Il-hoon. Male K-pop Idol Groups Who Were Mistreated And Ruined By Their Companies Topp Dogg's Gohn and Kidoh filed lawsuits against Stardom Entertainment due to the agency's mismanagement of their. Seungri and several other idols are under criminal investigation, while the founder of YG Entertainment Inc., the label responsible for K-pop's first global crossover hit, Gangnam Style,. Two days later, the same woman reported that she was sexually assaulted. I feel proud being Chinese. And K-pop fans were credited with reserving tickets to a Trump rally, . The two shores are one. On the other end of the spectrum are anti-fans, who harbor animosity against certain idols, determined to ruin their reputation. Onew is a public figure and things about him arent being reported well. But whenever he took a shower, everyone stared at him so he had to change his showering time. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . He even provided photos of some of the damages done to them. The manager ended up revealing all the abuse Lee Jihye went through, which led to Seo Jiyoung getting criticized by the general public. Starting in mid-September, the members had to pull off a difficult tour schedule, which included 16 cities in 4 countries, such as the United States and Chile. Mistreatment generally encompasses several forms of abuse, including mental, emotional, physical and financial, and is sadly commonplace in the entertainment industry. Actually I am lying, I have experienced sexual harassment. One horrible instance was when they were forced to perform despite being tested positive for COVID-19. In fact, some companies have abused their artists, taking mistreatment to a new level. Now,SBS News has reported that also, the members were inappropriately touched against their will at both a company-mandated drinking party and at the airport. K-pop has played a huge role in . media-tech companies with hubs around the world. Singer-songwriter Jung Joon-young, 30, and musician Choi Jong-hoon, 29, were on Friday convicted of conspiring in the sexual assault of a woman who was incapable of resisting, according to the. In her free time, she learns new card tricks and practices typing faster. Lee Min Ki was then called in for questioning, adding even more fuel to the fire. Hi everyone, I am J.Y. But an update from Taemin has started making the rounds on social media. Were at war now. if(document.querySelector("#google_image_div")){ We will stop Tzuyus current activities in China, and effectively handle all of the problems faced by affected parties due to this incident. J.Y. reporters on a platform technologically tailored to meet the needs of the modern reader. Yet, in reality, the allegations of deteriorating mental health and lack of security remain, with Jennie still receiving hate and death threats and no word from YG on how they intend to deal with the situation. S#arp was a K-Pop group created by member Seo Jiyoungs family, as they were one of the wealthiest families in South Korea at the time. But where the confusion over the two terms becomes an issue is in the protection it offers a label. Kang Seong Hee: Quarantine Well all fail if we quarantine. hitType: 'event', She was mourning the loss of fellow K-pop star Sulli, a former member of the wildly popular girl group f (x). But apart from physical actions, K-pop idols are also subject to the pressure of cyberbullying. Member B: That means we have to deceive them. eventAction: 'render' One time, Yoo So Young signed a contract with a company, and the CEO decided to throw a party to celebrate. A company has a lot of influence on the career of an idol, so it can be quite frustrating to fans when an idol gets mistreated by their company. CEOKang Seong Hee: Who do you think you are? a haunting reality underneath K-pops neatly glazed image. Please refrain from reporting any additional speculation. Fans, however, were able to spot the attempt at misdirection and called it out. Unwilling to abandon their dreams of an illustrious career, many continue with their labels until they lose everything. I feel very, very sorry and guilty. More than anything, we bow our heads in apology to the fans who have treasured the OMEGA X members, as well as the members themselves and their parents, who were hurt by this matter. KPop idols are only humans like Korean Pop fans. Lee Seokcheol also revealed that the members would get assaulted for various reasons, such as making mistakes during practice. This is also why K-pop groups are either all-male or all-female, too so fans dont suspect band members are dating each other,. During an episode of My Little Televisionin 2015, each member of TWICE held up the flag of their country of origin since the group is composed of a number of different nationalities. A report accused the idol of inappropriately touching a woman in her 20s at a club in Gangnam. Once, to lose 7 kilograms in one week, Momo, a member of Twice, only ate one ice cube while keeping up with exercise and training. OMEGA X To Hold A Press Conference And Speak Directly About The Abuse Scandal, LE SSERAFIMs Upcoming Album Design For UNFORGIVEN Has Become A Hot Topic For All The Wrong Reasons, Fans Raise Concerns For Kep1ers Huening Bahiyyih After Spotting Bruises, Stray Kids Felix Exposes Managements Whitewashing Of His Video, Korean Music Critic Comes Under Fire For His Brutal Comments Disregarding BTS Jimins Billboard Achievement. These K-pop groups are well known for the synchronicity of their dance moves, photogenic looks and catchy tunes. ga('ads.send', { But in the other time, they have no control over it. As most of our readers have probably heard, Open World Entertainment's CEO, Jang Seok-woo, was arrested last week on suspicion not only of sexually abusing female trainees, but of coercing male idols signed to his agency to do so as well. Additionally, Lawyer Noh Jong Eon, the legal representative of OMEGA X, told CBS Nocut News via phone call on November 14th that "the members are worried and afraid". But where things get murky in the conversation around abuse is in the confusion of the terms "mistreatment" and "mismanagement". ga('ads.send', { document.querySelector("#adunit").addEventListener('click',function(){ For example, Jang Suk-woo, an Open World Entertainment's CEO and talent coach, took advantage of young artists by drugging and sexually assaulting . window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotOnload', function(event) { #NewkiddAre7 pic.twitter.com/ek9cw5mU0p. The faces are blurred for the protection of the members. over your own needs, but no fan has the right to dictate the lives of idols or pressure them into making certain choices. They are human beings. },false) The case was forwarded to the prosecutor's office in 2020 and the lawsuit is ongoing. She said: "I've been called a ni****, a porch monkey, people have gone far enough to tell . hitType: 'event', These issues necessitate greater reflection on talent labels blatant disregard for idols well-being, molding them into money-making machines and treating them like nothing more. The term 'mistreatment' frequently gets used with regard to the group's lack of activities and promotional appearances. Hwang: This is how you get real experience. Wooyeop & Taeseon (TRCNG) Source: Koreaboo In 2019, Wooyeob and Taeseon filed a lawsuit against TS Entertainment for things like child abuse, assault, and exertion. Unwilling to. And as fans look to the idol's social media for an answer, it delivers a stream of gorgeous new selfies from Jennie, which seemingly paint the pretty picture that there is, in fact, no mistreatment taking place. The East Lights leader, Lee Seokcheol, revealed in 2018 that the members were victims of assault and abuse by their company. In fact, when looking at K-Pop idols in . In 2017, news broke that SHINees Onew had been accused of sexually molesting a woman at a club. Idols are forced to endure slave contracts, relinquishing all aspects of their lives to company control. Record labels do not condemn this behavior and instead view it as a symbol of loyalty, popularity and revenue. Let's Rant about Underage Idols, Sexualization and Abuse in the K-Pop Industry. On the night in question, a woman said she felt someone touching her and her friend claimed that Onew was the one who had done it. Yoo So Young revealed in the past that she has been the victim of sexual abuse a couple of times. Hwang: Members, get your act together and act like professionals. There were even times when they called us to go drink in the middle of the night. Such contracts generally included clauses that saw trainees as young as 12 sign on to be groomed by the labels in preparation for their eventual debut. And this is where things get truly confusing. ga('ads.send', { But apart from physical actions, K-pop idols are also subject to the pressure of cyberbullying. An idol's career could see more damage from them speaking up about management-related issues than by mismanagement itself, and they may never work in the industry again if they dare speak up about abuse. it as a symbol of loyalty, popularity and revenue. [2] After actress Jang Ja-yeon committed suicide in 2009 upon being forced to act as an escort, the National Human Rights Commission, that 60.2% of South Korean actresses have been. The Kpop industry has been flourishing for the past few years, but what new fans don't know is that there's a long, mind-breaking process in becoming an idol. They follow strict rules, including no dating and no phones. In 2011, the Korea Creative Content Agency started a support center for artists, and in 2017, the Korea Fair Trade Commission ordered the industry to end slave contracts. As such, their high expectations are not limited to performance but extend to body image as well. Sulli . He said, I have no intention of signing you with this agency. Despite being 16 at the time, TWICEs Tzuyu gained a lot of negative attention for one simple act. In early 2018, the case was dismissed and the prosecution found him innocent while all charges against him were dismissed. Former K-pop stars, such as Han Geng of Super Junior and EXOs Lu Han and Kris Wu, have filed lawsuits against former record labels en masse, citing mistreatment, unfair contracts, extortion and sexual assault. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), The industry is a Trillion Dollar powerhouse for South Korea and has boosted the Nation's connection to the World. Recently, SBSs Kang Kyung Yoon, well known for her coverage of the Burning Sunscandal,outlined some of the abuse and mistreatment OMEGA X faced at the hands of Spire Entertainments CEO Kang Seong Hee. Han, that SM Entertainments refusal to give him a day off in over two years caused him to develop gastritis and kidney disease. between exercising, practicing or sleeping before beginning their routine again. Hi everyone, I have something to say to everyone. The very next day, the alleged victim stepped forward and said that the music company had coerced her into dropping the charges. Unfortunately, this hard work is undercut by an industry more focused on profit than individual creativity. This simple act led Taiwanese, China-based singer Huang An to accuse Tzuyu of being a Taiwanese independence activist, essentially calling her a traitor. Blackpink. Kim Jong-hyun (known professionally as Jonghyun), the frontman of popular K-pop act SHINee, took his own life in December 2017. It was later revealed that Seo Jiyoung had constantly bullied Lee Jihye until S#arps disbandment in 2002. Jonghyun }); K-pop star Jonghyun of Shinee committed suicide in 2017. Many idols have also fainted during concerts, only to be carried off stage by managers who expect them to resume the same intensity of activities after recovering. However, she refused after meeting the CEO of the management company. In the case of the last woman, investigators found inconsistencies in her statement that again proved his innocence. At the same time, I feel regretful. Prosecutors dropped the sex abuse charge, citing lack of evidence, but fined Kim for physical assault. ga('ads.send', { Other idols who revealed their relationships have encountered similar reactions, leading most couples to break up and apologize to their fans. I dont think I will share this with anyone, she said. In 2011, the Korea Creative Content Agency, a support center for artists, and in 2017, the Korea Fair Trade Commission, the industry to end slave contracts. Way, a former member of Crayon Pop, in an email to Insider. They requested that he either leave SHINee or be dropped from the group. Deja Ferguson, who got into BTS in 2015, says she has regularly received anonymous abuse from other fans. Korean TV shows are full of jokes and laughter, however many of them tend to surprise idols who come as guests, so sometimes what seems like an innocent joke becomes a big problem. However, this number can vary as every label and contract is different. PLEASE RT!J-FLO entertainment is mistreating Newkidd, and now members are hospitalized as a probable result. These K-pop groups are well known for the synchronicity of their dance moves, photogenic looks and catchy tunes. Recently, South Korean agencies have strategically expanded their recruiting polls to Southeast Asian countries and China to appeal to the international market. This has led to fans deeming the lack of adequate promotion and inept handling of an idol's career as a form of abuse. Sometimes, these KPop idols deserve criticism of what they have done. Spire Entertainment will bear the responsibility for everything regarding this matter. The epidemic of sexual assault within it extends far beyond the scope of this article. We would like to express our position on the incident involving Onew the media has been reporting on. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Disregard for its members' physical health . Model Kwon Hyuk Jung was invited to join an idol group. But when an industry works so hard to seem unblemished, it only makes me more skeptical of what is hiding underneath. After public outcry, however, scenes like these rarely make their way to TV anymore. }) The power structure within managing companies is clearly, and reinforced by the cultural notion of not biting the hand that feeds you,. However, after that, he sat on the piano bench and made me sit next to him. This extends to adequate marketing for every project and a full promotional schedule that sees fan-favorite acts land a spot on every popular show locally within South Korea and internationally where applicable. Both Sulli and Goo also, sexist abuse and cyberbullying from online haters over their appearance and conduct. Park. Kang Seong Hee: Im saying no one will test for COVID-19 starting now. Suspected Identity of Company That Sexually Assaulted 6 Male Idols Earlier this month, it was reported that six male trainees sued their label's CEO for sexual assault. Jang forced trainees to take sex pills, then asked them to get intimate with the male trainees in the company or those with high positions in the entertainment industry. Another popular practice in South Koreas entertainment industry is exchanging sexual favors for job opportunities or media exposure, which is known as sponsorship. Companies, on this ambition for their own profits, cultivating them into paragons of the music industry while denying basic human rights and freedoms. Including his trainee debt and living expenses, Henry Prince Mak from JJCC concluded last year that he was only making $1 or $2 per day. Many idols have also. The prosecutor acquitting the three individuals is unjust. Previously, it was reported that six male trainees, some of whom participated in "Produce 101 Season 2," filed a complaint against the female head of their agency . Once forced to lose 7 kilograms in one week, Momo, a member of Twice, only ate one ice cube while keeping up with exercise and training. Members of korean idol groups have little freedom over their personal lives. In accordance with the labels marketing strategy, K-pop stars are marketed as emotionally available and forever single to appear more accessible to their fans; it corresponds to an increase of profits for the group and label. At this point, SM Entertainment released a statement sticking by their artist and said that everything was just a misunderstanding. I like you. ]. Unfortunately, in wake of the exposure, there has been a lack of substantial action and change. When the group eventually disbanded, Seo Jiyoung tried to pay off the group manager to lie about the bullying, but the manager refused. Why a superstar sparked China's . Onew went to a club with his friends on the morning of August 12 to celebrate his debut as a DJ. All trainees are constantly monitored, and their 24-hour days are divided between exercising, practicing or sleeping before beginning their routine again. }); Earlier this year, fans of the J-FLO Entertainment group Newkidd began raising alarm after three of its members seemingly 'disappeared'. Alter your thinking. ga('ads.send', { Park, also issued his own apology for the controversy. In 2019, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea amended the Adolescence Mass Culture Artists Standard Agreement, in which agents must try to guarantee the rights of artists, such as personality freedom and sleep rights. If their incurred expenses exceed their bands earnings, stars must pay them back. As such, their high expectations are not limited to performance but extend to body image as well. From encouraging fasting to paying idols poorly to ignoring allegations of sexual assault and abuse, the industry reveals a haunting reality underneath K-pops neatly glazed image.