Culture news Following the controversy with Karina de aespa, why are k-pop star couples taboo?
With yet another controversy surrounding a South Korean celebrity couple, it’s timely to ask why relationships are a particularly sensitive subject in the world of k-pop.
Obviously, being a k-pop star is far from easy. With intensive training, an extremely busy schedule, pressure from fans and their agency and even deadly criticism at the slightest misstep, South Korean idols have a complex daily life. Added to this is the fact of not being able to lead their personal lives as they wish, with an industry that sets them up as models of virtue. No alcohol, illicit substances and above all, no relationship. A restriction that may seem completely absurd from an outside point of view, but which continues to be a controversial element. Recently, a situation of this type caused a lot of discussion on social networks, leading the star concerned to publicly apologize… Yes, you read correctly.
Summary
- Karina from aespa had to apologize for her relationship
- K-pop fans don’t like seeing idols in relationships
- K-pop agencies often don’t like couples
Karina from aespa had to apologize for her relationship
A few days ago, it was revealed that two South Korean celebrities are dating: Karina from the k-pop group aespa and the actor Lee Jae-wook (Extraordinary You). While this news may not seem particularly exciting from an outside perspective, the singer, dancer and rapper of the SM Entertainment group released a letter of apology to her fans. Enjoying great popularity within the quartet in which she carries out her professional activity, the news of her relationship caused a lot of talk among those who support her as well as k-pop fans in general. In view of a possible controversy, it is
on Instagram that she shared her handwritten letter where she believes that her fans (named MY) were “disappointed”.
I ended up writing this letter to convey even a little bit of my feelings. Although I fear that this letter could hurt MY once again, the reason why I am taking the risk and writing this is because I wanted to share my sincere apologies to the fans (…).
She ends her letter as follows: “I am sorry and I am very grateful”, apologizing and thanking her fans once again. A large part of Internet users did not understand the interest of this letter, which some even found lunar. Why apologize for being in a relationship? How does this concern anyone other than her and Lee Jae-wook? This situation unfortunately raises one of the biggest taboos in the South Korean industry: couples.
K-pop fans don’t like seeing idols in relationships
Being single means being more accessible to fans. At least that’s what many think about k-pop stars. Forcing South Korean idols not to have relationships to preserve their image among fans is a subject that is unfortunately still relevant today. Parasocial relationships between those who like an idol and the star in question are legion. In other words, some people believe they have some sort of relationship with their favorite singer, which leads them to be a devoted fan. The k-pop industry works on the principle of bringing together as many people as possible who follow the activity of a specific idol very closely.
Beyond the simple fact of appreciating the talent of a singer, it is a real feeling of power over their life. A large part of the fans wish their favorite star happiness, but feel legitimate to comment on the slightest physical aspect and elements of their personal life. This fanaticism, fueled by the South Korean music industry, is particularly lucrative, which is not lost on some dedicated fans. Aware of operating this way, this devotion is unfortunately part of their toxic habits of intensely monitoring their relationships. What’s more, they are too often considered models of virtue. So, just like alcohol and drugs, some believe that being in a relationship harms the image that the industry automatically attributes to them. They also consider that with such a busy job, stars don’t have time to have partners. Otherwise, it is possible to see comments from angry Internet users questioning the idol’s investment in his musical activities and his consideration of his fans.
Obviously, this enormous pressure towards k-pop stars has an impact on their private lives. Even if they do everything to hide from view when they are in a relationship, sometimes the information leaks and they are forced to admit it publicly. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for them to separate due to the poor reception of the couple by fans.
K-pop agencies often don’t like couples
This ban on being in a relationship does not only come from fans and this system which fuels their harmful behavior towards idols, but above all from contracts signed with the company. When a k-pop star signs a contract, they demand that she embody the brand. These are therefore investments that carry out exactly the activity that is included in their contracts. If they happen to cause controversy, it is the image of the company that is directly impacted. There is also a financial reason, since the agencies are listed on stock exchanges and this kind of controversy sometimes causes them to lose a lot of money.. The repercussions are therefore immediate, leading to decisions that may seem absurd. This is where apology letters come in, or in the worst case scenario, the firing of the idol in question as was the case with HyunA and Dawn who were fired from their record label, Cube Entertainment.
Fortunately, times are changing and mentalities are evolving slowly but surely. Comments under the post of Karina’s apology letter show that many South Korean fans wish that idols could date freely. Some agencies put less pressure on their artists than others, like YG Entertainment.