As mentioned many times before, the K-Pop industry is filled with horrible practices. Idols have to train their butts off to make it to the top and sometimes their looks are far more important than their talent.
Recently, Korean solo singer Coco (코코 ) uploaded her latest vlog where she shares the dark side of K-Pop alongside famous former JYP trainee Gina Maeng (맹지나). What they shared may be surprising or hard to accept for certain diehard K-Pop fans.
One of the few things they shared was how social status affects idols’ chances of debuting. A user asked Coco if money or an idol’s social rank plays a role whether idols debut or not. Gina did mention that it’s not always true.
However, some small companies are pretty much broke, so recruiting trainees who come from rich families is an incentive for companies to debut them. This means if one is poor, the hopeful may not make it as a K-Pop idol at certain companies since they’re not benefiting them.
They also mentioned how K-Pop companies emphasise more on visuals and English-speaking skills. The two artists were asked how visuals are essential on a scale of 1-10. Gina straightforwardly answered “10”. Apparently, she mentioned how a company doesn’t pick idols based on how pretty, handsome, or perfect they look. It’s more about the visuals they have instead.
Regarding English-speaking skills, both the singers stated how important it is for an idol to have basic English skills. For companies that create global groups, this is very much vital. This could also involve companies that strive for international success.
The most unsurprising confession is the weight issue. We all know how K-Pop companies want their idols to look skinny. Both Gina and Coco confirmed that idols must check their weight every month. Coco then stated how she got cut from a certain company because she wasn’t able to lose 0.9kg. She also mentioned how she was shamed in front of everyone.
Coco also told that she split all fluids she had on a particular night before she was weighed. She did succeed before they actually checked her. However, the K-Pop idol became dehydrated so she had to drink some water. Sadly, when she got weighed, Coco failed and was immediately cut off. She also said how she felt embarrassed in front of other trainees and was even fat-shamed. Gina then added that certain famous Korean celebrities who are known for their healthy lifestyles have eating disorders. Looks can be deceiving.
According to them, if an idol were to voluntarily withdraw, that means they will never become a K-Pop idol. They’ll need to sign documents stating that they’re not working within the industry anymore. The former JYP trainee stated that idols who were kicked off or removed completely from an agency do not need to pay for their training resources.
What’s upsetting is how trainees who leave without any issues get affected by this pretty badly. Companies will stop these trainees from moving on to other companies by signing certain documents. It gets even worse when Gina confessed that a CEO once attempted to get close to her because he wanted sex.
Another obvious issue with K-Pop agencies is the dating ban. Gina stated that it really depends on the company. However, she expressed how most companies won’t allow idols to date. Coco then spoke about her experience on how her company would remove several trainees when their dating status were discovered. It’s funny and sad how most K-Pop groups usually sing about romance but aren’t allowed to be involved in one.
Shockingly, she continued stating how everyone dates. Idols need to learn to hide their relationships carefully. There have also been cases where queer idols would date each other who are within the same group. Unfortunately, even if K-Pop companies allowed dating, Korea’s conservative views on homosexuality forces these idols to remain in the closet.
Source: Kpop Hit.
