K-Pop brings millions of fans joy worldwide. Many artists achieve their dreams of becoming idols. However, some trainees and idols face challenging experiences in what many call the “dark side” of K-Pop.
1. “Spill the milk”
Kim Gayoung rose to fame after appearing on the show 2 Days & 1 Night during high school. This exposure led to her debut with the group Stellar. The group initially had a cute image. However, their concept changed dramatically when their early songs didn’t succeed.
Gayoung later revealed troubling experiences from her time with Stellar. The company forced the group to wear inappropriate outfits. They also filmed misleading scenes without the members’ knowledge.
In one particular incident, a scene involved a member drinking milk. The script seemed innocent at first. The directors later changed the scene’s nature without explaining its implications. This experience deeply affected the member, who was only 20 years old.
Gayoung continues to deal with the aftermath of these experiences. She now avoids wearing certain clothes due to past trauma. She left the group in 2017 but still faces challenges from her time as an idol.
2. “I panicked whenever I went to crowded places…”
Kong Yoo Jin’s experience with BONUSbaby reveals strict company control. The company monitored everything from the members’ sleep schedule to their diet. Daily practice sessions were extremely demanding.
Kong faced intense pressure about her weight. She often skipped meals to meet weight requirements. The company also limited her contact with family and friends.
These experiences left lasting effects on Kong. She developed anxiety in public places after leaving the industry. She now works as a music teacher, choosing a different path for her career.
3. “I was forcefully asked to…”
Vivian Jo Hyeon Gi entered the industry as a trainee at age 19. She now runs a restaurant and creates content. Her dreams of becoming an idol ended after an inappropriate request from her agency.
The company pressured her to form a relationship with a producer. This request went against her personal values. She chose to leave the industry rather than compromise her principles.
4. Sexual Sponsorships
A male trainee shared his story on PD Notebook about financial manipulation. A staff member introduced him to someone who offered financial support. He accepted the help due to his financial situation.
The situation quickly became problematic. The trainee accumulated significant debt, owing between $18,000 and $27,000 USD. This experience left him in a worse financial position than before.
5. CEO’s Assaults
In 2017, authorities arrested a CEO for serious misconduct at his agency. He targeted young trainees at the company dormitory. The CEO used threats and financial penalties to control the trainees.
The case involved multiple violations of Korean law. He faced charges related to abuse, confinement, and other serious offenses. The CEO also restricted other trainees’ communication and movement.
The authorities charged him under Korea’s Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse. Additional charges included confinement and other violations.
