Ok-pop’s exponential development in reputation was a very long time coming. Propelled by the likes of BTS and BLACKPINK, who solidified the globalization of the style began within the Hallyu Wave, Ok-Pop is an simple phenomenon, identified for each the perfect and worst of causes.
Presumably probably the most unlucky realities that most of the people grasps, and simply so occurs to be right, is that the Ok-Pop world is relentlessly poisonous and downright unfair to its idols. From unrealistic physique expectations to excessive diets, and even a record-breaking streak of overworked idols whose careers are pressured to finish prematurely, it’s nearly heartbreaking to see what idols are put by way of.
Just lately, proof of those absurd expectations surfaced within the type of a letter by the woman group idol Karina from Aespa, who felt compelled to apologize for courting. Who? Properly, it doesn’t matter. Courting is a taboo topic amongst idols and Ok-pop followers, and right here’s why.
Can Ok-pop idols date?
Lengthy story quick, sure, many Ok-pop idols are certainly allowed to this point, nevertheless it’s not as straightforward because it sounds. For a lot of firms, courting is completely forbidden. JYP, as an illustration, has a strict rule banning idols from courting within the first three years of their debut. That is to make sure that idols are absolutely centered on their work, with none distractions that would probably jeopardize the funding the corporate has made in them.
Different firms like P Nation, HYBE, or YG Leisure, don’t essentially seem to encourage their idols to this point; nevertheless, many celebrities underneath these labels have publicly introduced relationships with little to no response from their firms. Whereas for us foreigners and Westerners, courting would possibly look like such a trivial exercise that no grownup would ever take into account not doing it for the sake of their job, in South Korea, it’s a wholly totally different story.
Why do idols have courting bans?
Many firms implement a courting ban because of the widespread perception that idols ought to prioritize fulfilling their obligations to the corporate and, basically, stay devoted to their followers. In 2019, the YouTube duo DKDKTV requested a number of followers on the streets of Seoul whether or not or not they’d proceed to assist their favourite idols in the event that they dated one other idol. Shockingly, the massive majority of them claimed that it was disrespectful for idols to this point altogether.
“I’d really feel like one thing that’s mine was taken away from me,” mentioned one interviewee. This goes to indicate that the reasoning behind this perception stems from the expectation amongst many South Korean Ok-pop followers that their favourite celebrities must be wholly dedicated to them and themselves alone. This devotion, within the eyes of Korean followers, ought to manifest within the idol remaining single all through their profession and, basically, not disrespecting the followers who make investments their money and time in supporting them.
Finally, this perception serves as an excuse for a lot of followers to take care of the fantasy that maybe sooner or later, they might be those who seize their favourite idol’s coronary heart in some alternate universe. It’s not even AO3; that is straight-up Wattpad materials at this level. And it could be humorous if it wasn’t on the expense of the idol’s psychological well being.
Why did Karina apologize?
In an Instagram submit, Karina from Aespa shared a hand-written letter apologizing about courting actor Lee Jae-wook. Many media retailers and followers thought-about this apology a complete debacle, deeming SM Leisure a “nationwide embarrassment,” for finally fueling the concept idols aren’t allowed to have relationships. Within the letter, Karina, 24, apologized for courting Jae-wook, 26, admitting that she’s mirrored on her actions, alongside with the ptomise that she would change into extra “mature.”
Fortunately, a big majority of followers (Korean and in any other case), merely criticized SM on social media for his or her outdated and conservative views, defending Karina within the course of. Whereas this was issued on Karina’s private Instagram, it is extremely unlikely that she made the unilateral resolution to apologize within the first place. Finally, the consensus amongst followers is the assumption that the response was made in shut session with SM Leisure.
Furthermore, a number of South Korean retailers are utilizing sure phrases that maintain a damaging connotation when depicting the occurrences on this scenario. Phrases like “disaster,” and “scandal,” have been typically used all through Korean media regarding Karina’s relationship with Jae-wook, with many followers believing these phrases are solely spreading a damaging gentle on their relationship.
Which firms have courting bans?
Whereas only a few firms brazenly acknowledge their bans on courting, JYP requires its idols to not date for the primary three years of their contract. Equally, we additionally know that CUBE doesn’t take kindly to idols courting one another, as each HyunA and PENTAGON’s Daybreak had their contracts terminated upon saying their relationship, and SM seems to have been allegedly concerned in Karina’s apology.
Alternatively, HYBE, P-Nation and YG don’t appear to be practically cautious — or no less than, to not our data. A number of members of the most well-liked Ok-pop teams, together with BLACKPINK, BTS, and EXO, have had their justifiable share of “courting scandals,” — the weaponized time period used for when an idol is courting one other idol.
As soon as the idols are in a relationship, both they’ve followers’ timeless assist, or their companions stay nameless all through their careers — because it appears to be the case for BTS, whether or not by their very own selection, or HYBE’s involvement. Nonetheless, with increasingly idols like BLACKPINK’s Jennie and Jisoo admitting to having relationships on the peak of their profession, many followers believed courting was normalized in the end — just for Karina’s scenario to throw us off the bottom.
Hopefully, this complete debacle will show to firms that maybe they’d profit from having brazenly content material idols, relatively than constantly depriving them of openness of their relationships as a result of society’s delusions.