The Dark Side of K-pop: Normalized Behaviors Every Fan Should Expose
Intro: Butterfly
[Will you stay by my side?
Will you promise me]
Normalized Behaviors in K-pop: The Case of Chen
January 2020 marked a significant moment in K-pop history: Kim Jongdae, better known as Chen from the popular boygroup EXO, announced his wedding and engagement to a non-celebrity girlfriend. At 27 years old, a perfectly reasonable age for such a life decision, Chen’s personal choice sparked intense controversy and backlash from a segment of fans.
Some fans accused Chen of being selfish and thoughtless for not prioritizing his career, while others went as far as to destroy his merchandise and send it to SM Entertainment. This extreme and harmful behavior contrasts sharply with the support and happiness many other fans felt for Chen's decision. The normalization of such fan behaviors is both unethical and harmful to idols and their personal lives.
The Harsh Reality of K-pop Idols' Work-Life
Another heavily scrutinized aspect in the K-pop community is the intense workload imposed on idols, often leading to physical and mental exhaustion. Behind-the-scenes videos frequently depict idols suffering from exhaustion, collapsing, or experiencing mental distress. While it’s understandable why fans may wonder why these companies overwork their idols, stepping back to understand the bigger picture provides a clearer answer.
K-pop is not just a form of music; it is a highly profitable industry built on the dependency of fans on idols. Many of us, including myself, turned to K-pop during challenging moments in our lives, using it as an escape and a way to cope with the realities we were facing. Due to this dependency, many fans became emotionally and psychologically attached to their idols, sacrificing their own mental well-being for the benefit of the industry.
The Fans' Role in K-pop Overworking
A company is not solely to blame for the grueling schedules that can harm idols. Korea’s free market economy drives companies to produce and sell content to meet fan demands, thereby making profits. Idols, under intense pressure to constantly release content and maintain a happy demeanor, often sacrifice their health and emotional well-being. By putting out vast amounts of content, including BTS, fans wonder if the company is driven by greed or a genuine desire to satisfy fan expectations.
Conclusion: Time to Let Go of Excessive Expectations
What needs to change is our normalization of behaviors in K-pop. Fans must recognize and address the excessive expectations placed on idols that prioritize fan satisfaction over their health and well-being. Instead of demanding more content and more releases, we should focus on supporting idols in maintaining a balance between their professional and personal lives. Ultimately, fans are partly responsible for these intense schedules, and it's time for us to take responsibility and work towards creating a healthier environment for our idols.
By acknowledging the problematic aspects of K-pop management and the unrealistic expectations we place on idols, we can start to make a positive change in the industry. Let’s not sacrifice our idols' health for a sense of dependency and fulfillment that just isn’t sustainable.