Yeah I noticed the relationship thing a lot with G-dragon. Like he so much as hinted that he may be with someone in his ALS video that his "fans" went crazy. Like you would never have a chance at him, does he need to stay single to feed your twisted fantasies about him? Because someone being in a relationship suddenly makes them less of a person.
I know right? I'm so sick of these stupid kpop fans always fantasizing and hating on them JUST bc they're dating someone. Of course everyone should date at one point in their lives, but the fact that these fans get upset about it bc they want them for themselves, nuh uh sister, that aint gonna happen. They're humans too.
Candace C And then afterwards when the idols gets older people start asking them: Hey when are u gonna get married??? And the idols are just like.... o.O I never got the chance to meet anyone. It's so stupid cause they're human too, so they should have the freedom to do whatever they want
You just mentioned Jonghyun in this video and it's just...it really goes to show how many factors and moments may have led to the sad event. #buildaladder
I was really ashamed of my fandom when people freaked out about Jonghyun having a girlfriend. The boy begged for forgiveness for being a living being. I love him as an idol but at the same time respect him so I was rooting for him in his relationship. Its a shame'
+Juliette Fan when did this happen? i never heard of it....okay i've only been a k-pop fan for a year, so maybe that's why ;) but when was it? i think it's so wrong, that "so called fans" treated him like this and that HE felt guilty about it. that's just wrong on SO MANY LEVELS! how can you call yourself a fan, if your actions make your idol feel guilty and CRY on stage, for a totally natural, human thing called love?! that's just ....../sigh/
+Juliette Fan I feel so bad for kpop idols when they have a relationship because then their obsessive fans get jealous and give so much hate to their significant other... sad stuff
***** yeah I know T.T I don't like any of my idols like that. They are kind of like role models to me. Except one haha but even if he started dating yeah I'd be jealous but I'd never let them know or bash them for it. I'd want them to be happy. I'll just cry a bit in a corner by myself lol
There are so many videos of KPOP stars fainting on stage or having to be rushed to the hospital and the excuse given to the public by these companies is always "exhaustion", don't they know they can't make money off of these poor idols if they're dead?
J-Pop and K-pop bands are manufactured in a plug and play system. One guy gets eliminated, another guy steps in. The Puerto Rican band Menudo might have started that concept back in 1977. Menudo is a kid band and once the kids grow up, they are replaced (38 members total).
I just want to congratulate Super Junior for their determination, perseverance and their awesome work ethics. They've been in Kpop industry for 10 years. I salute them. The road they have to take to achieve their stardom is not as glamorous as every one thinks. I think that what they have is truly remarkable-strong heart. SUPER JUNIOR DAEBAK!!!!
***** You do realize that you're commenting on a video that's related to idols? All people here like idols. I'm old enough to know right from wrong, and you're just being an annoying troll.
I feel so bad for MBLAQ's Lee Joon. Insomnia and an in-humane schedule gave him bi-polar disorder. Bi-polar is very serious.There is a real risk of suicide in the depression stages. Stupid people complained because he was falling asleep on a variety show. He posted on-line “Am I a robot? Who do I keep doing this for….? I put up with it as long as I could, and I have something called opinions too." His company didn't sweep it under the rug, at least, which is rare. I think Joon is very brave for telling the truth. Sometimes I think I see in the eyes of Kpop idols that they are suffering, but are not allowed to say anything. :(
As far as I'm aware, he had bipolar disorder and insomnia even predebut and he says the insomnia makes it worse. I, too, suffer with the same problems and relate to Lee Joon a whooole lot. I can totally understand how he feels. I see a lot of myself in him, tot he point it's scary LOL. I do feel bad, because I know he's very passionate about acting, but even actors can have hectic schedules, I'm sure. I mean, you can sometimes just look at Joon and tell if he's well or not. For me, it's easy to see. One thing I can say, from my personal experience with bipolar disorder, it is very hard for me to be happy, even when things go well for me. Like now, I have a good career opportunity, but I'm passionate about singing and music. I can be making a lot of money, but I'll be miserable, though I am doing something else I enjoy. Bipolar disorder is something hard to control and random for me. As Joon says, he feels bad for those who put up with his mood swings. I totally understand, as when I hit my lows, I can say awful things and I really worry people with my actions and words. It's a very scary thing. All in all, bipolar disorder is one hell of a mental illness. I really feel for Joon. The members of MBLAQ seem to get along well and he seems to be very close to Seungho and trust him enough. So, as far as I know, at least he has a good friend in Seungho. I mean, Joon even said he felt closest to Seungho (In that double talk interview if I'm not mistaken?) and he felt jealous of the others sometimes. I can relate to that as well, being jealous and maybe a bit possessive. Wow, this was longer than I thought haha. OTL Anyways, I do wish the best for him.
Been a fan for a while, and then tumblr and other videos as well.~ I listen well and remember some things, but usually it's nothing of use I remember. OTL
WHOA! So frustrated that we can't reply to people! I know that the comment section changing is still new so they're working out the bugs but but but...SO MANY THING TO SAAAAYYYY! :O
I HATE IT!!! >.< WHAT, WHAT THISSS.... GRRRR... Btw, click this link: [ 임창정-문을 여시오 M/V Full ver. ] XD Edit: Yess...start learning new tricks from these new comment layouts...editing, sharing links etc... But still sucks because cannot reply or thumbs up/down the comment who not link with Google+… Hate it!
Honestly I can 100% understand why Kris and Luhan left exo. I knew the Kpop world could be bad but I didnt know it was this bad. I would not like that life. I remember seeing a video of exo after Wolf debut. The just got done performing and then went back to he sm building to practice. Who know what the rest of their scedule was for that day. And they said they only get 2 to 3 hours of sleep a night. Also it seems there is alot of bulling not only in the Kpop world but in korean culture in general. I know there rumor mill was going after Kris left of SM controlling the rest of the member telling them what to say. taking their phones, and even hitting some of the members. I am not sure if any of that is true but I could see it being true. Even if Kpop idols have no you can not date rule in their contract, when do they even have the time. And their health omg i am suprised how some of them are not hospitalized for months. Not enough sleep, poor diet, performing while sick and hurt. That has to take a terrible tole on your body (even if they are young guys).
The health part always brings up the Chaneyol incident when he vomited off to the side and went back on to finish performing. Just recently Xiumin had the fever and he was allowed to stay home to recover.
eburel506 yess i remember watching Roommate when Chanyeol was in it and he would leave the house at like 8am to do his schedule come back around 5am, get maybe 3 hours of sleep and have another schedule to go to. and it would be like that every day :(
I feel like the companies should take care of their idols. I mean they need to eat healthy and get a proper sleep. Big ups to the kpop groups and idol's. They work hard, and I love them but I feel some type of way when I remember what they go through and it makes me not wanna watch them as much. And the stalker fan thing going on, they should have a law against that, like what if they end up hurting one of the idols really bad, then what, are they gonna just pretend like it didn't happen. That's not cool, they deserve a life too, if that was me I'd probably went crazy and quite. So big ups to them. ✊
A lot of times when I'm watching interviews with k-pop groups on variety/talk-shows, you can just see in their faces that a lot of the time they look exhausted. Poor dears :( the other day I was watching the behind the scenes filming of B.A.P's Coffee Shop and Hurricane and at one point they were all so amazed by the penthouse suite they were filming in, and by passing by large houses in LA. I thought it was such a contrast to american pop stars who likely stay at those kind of places all the time. It seems pretty obvious that a lot of the money made by k-pop idols doesn't actually get spent on them..
DarthNutz I think the males have actually had it far harder. I've seen so many stories of boys from kpop bands being stalked, one of them even flipping out and telling a girl to fuck off.Stalkers are most likely mentally ill and probably not in an ego dystonic way (ego dystonic meaning that they can recognize they have a disorder, like how someone with OCD but not OCDP can.) There should DEFINITELY be laws about stalkers. That's just asking for someone to be hurt.
Vixx Celacea Given the intensity of female fans over male fans I guess it does make sense. I guess its like if Justin Bieber's or One Direction's fans were legally allowed to stalk them, which would be friggin insane. You would get every nutjob coming out the wood work. But with all that said I still think it would probably be more dangerous for the female kpop groups since male stalkers could potentially be more violent.
Vixx Celacea "I don't know why, and this might just be a stereotype, but I would swear there are far more devoted female fans of any group or idol then males. Perhaps males just don't gush about it the way females do though at least on average anyway." I think that's true of music as a whole. There definitely are some Male mega fans of rap and rock but nothing beats the devotion of a female pop fan any where in the world. Female fans are the reason Pop dominates over Rap and Rock.
DarthNutz It's pretty scary, from what I hear. There was one instance when a man made his way through security at a SNSD concert/show and he got to the stage and tried to abduct Taeyeon in the middle of her performance.
It sucks for korean actors too. So many actors get in accidents because their manager was driving them and both them and the manager have been working non-stop. Get a driver! I tired manager cannot drive properly. If they're making so much money off these people give them the services they deserve. They need to get Guilds or Unions that protect people in the entertainment industry. Korea is so developed but it just recently developed and they don't have these institutions in place.
I've always said I could never be a kpop idol coz I value my freedom the most. Sometimes I just feel bad for them like all they do is work-eat-sleep (and sometimes they can't even eat so we're left with work & sleep). This is not what I call: Life. Plus the pressure when you have to be perfect ALL THE FREAKING TIME to please EVERY FREAKING PERSON in the world. I guess you just have to wonder if you're willing to trade your Freedom & Personal life, for Fame & Money. But for me, idols are like birds trap in a golden cage.
all i want to do now is go meet every single one of my favorite kpop idol bring them home so that i can give them a bed and a proper meal MY POOR BABIES ARE SUFFERING ;-;
Sometimes groups don't get enough recognition just because they're from a smaller company and its really sad. :/ actually I would pity the other groups more because they work hard but get no recognition cuz they're from a smaller company or can't get enough publicity :/
I am extremely surprised and glad Simon and Martina did this video. I didn't realize Kpop celebs went through that much...I know they work extra hard and the pre-debut training is unimaginable but wow...
I think one of the worse thing of Kpop world is sasaeng fans. Gosh, they're creepy. What do they thinking by stalking their idols like that? I mean, chill out dudes.. you need a shrink not an idol.
Yeah..I would never want to be a Kpop idol. But, the fact that they work so hard is a huge reason to like Kpop. I respect them so much for all the time and effort they put in. I also think its ridiculous that some fans won't let thwm date. If your truly a fan and love them you would let them be as happy as they can because they all deserve it.
Knowing what they have to go through, it makes me feel guilty to be a K-Pop fan. And yet... I love it too much to stop. It makes me grateful for what they do.
As a singer myself, it makes me sad the way you describe that Kpop idols are fed sweets and junk food before they perform. Eating sweets (and anything milk-based for that matter) is the WORST thing to eat before you sing, because it clogs your throat. :/
Eating sweets before a test or something big is considered a 'good luck' sign in South Korea. My math teacher does that to me. Heck, I see D.O drinking milk before karaoke and still rocking that SNSD song. But yes it does give you phlegm, so it's weird how they still get to perform.
***** I'm a fifth honor student in my school, my teacher just likes to give me sweets and I usually take it as a good luck sign for fun and motivation. I'm not that kind of person who depends on luck. Superstition is fun for me to do with my best friends. We like to believe.
Anyone read the article about Brad in Busker Busker? It's insane! The whole Superstar K thing. Wow. I thought they were nicer. I know that the Kpop industry is crazy, but this is worse. Far worse. I have heard a lot that companies take trainees' and idols' cellphones, but is that the norm? Do they always do that?
idol groups (especially female idols) should look up for Jennifer Lawrence and what she had said once. "I'm considered as a fat actress.I don't want little girls to be like, 'oh, I want to look like Katniss, so I'm going to skip dinner'. That's something I was really conscious of during training. I was trying to get my body to look fit and strong- not thin and underfed,"
It's really sad. I've seen some behind the scenes stuff and videos from MV shoots and it looks exhausting! Promoting all day, going to sleep at midnight, waking up at 2:00 to go film the video for at least 12 hours! Sleeping on the floor, dancing, sleeping on each other, dancing, going out to get food, sleeping on a chair... Even though they're always happy and positive I just feel so bad for them because it honestly seems like awful working conditions. Especially if your video doesn't end up getting a lot of views. I don't really get why they have to get it all done in one sitting? Why not let the idols sleep and rest so they can be at their best?
i would want to (if i had enough talent) because the love you get to share with the world when you are performing is the most beautiful thing. I do not remember who but a kpop star said in one of his interviews that when he saw that people were getting comfort and joy from his music he realized it was worth it.
Even after hearing all the cons of being an idol i still would love to become one. please dont think im crazy! >.< but i've already set my goals on being an idol and so no matter how many horrible stories i've read and heard i cant bring myself to change my mind. I seriously love singing and dancing and the thrill of performing and i dont see myself in the future as anything else. T.T
In the recent years, my views and ideas on the idol life have changed drastically. I used to just look up to idols for their singing and dancing, but now, I know all of the shit they go through. And I hate it. I hate all of it. But to be perfectly honest, I still want to be a Kpop idol. It's weird, I know. I don't understand it either. But even with all of the horrible things, I still want to perform. I want to sing, dance, rap, and inspire people. I want people to look up to me and I want to save lives, just like how my idols saved my life. I don't just want it, I NEED it. I wouldn't do it for long, however. I would want to spend some years being an idol, then I want to go to college and start my own Kpop company. That way, I could run things a lot differently; I could treat the idols I manage like how I wanted to be treated. I could start a movement of running Kpop companies the EYK Studio way~!
When I heard he was quitting, I was shocked but then after watching this video, I'm kind of glad he's quitting and chasing his dreams. Dongho deserves to be happy and he knows what he wants to do with his life. Every K-pop stars deserve to be happy. I'm not dating now, I would feel so lonely if I didn't date anyone because I was a k-pop star! But If I did start losing my fans because I was dating a k-pop star like Zico from block b for example, then I know they're not real fans and I wouldn't worry about them. I would just be thankful for having some fans that love and support me. I'm not Korean being a k-pop star was one of my dreams. I wouldn't mind sharing rooms because I don't like being alone and I may get along with everyone. I'm not one of those people that fight a lot or hates everyone. I don't know. It may be hard for someone who isn't Korean to be a k-pop star. That's what I think. So whether I wanted to be a k-pop star or not, that may be out of the question for me.
all fans that were angry at jongyun because he had a girlfriend can't call them self fans and they should shame them self's because he deserves to have a life and love to... and i really don't wanna be a kpop idol maybe for one day then i can meet SHINee!! and quit when i met them xD
This is actually quite sad :( I used to want to be a Kpop idol because they made a lot of cool music and look great, but I don't want to be forced to do things I don't want to do almost EVERYDAY 😭 I'm torn.
Im wondering about how you guys feel about Kris leaving Exo earlier this year and now Luhan has left too. Also about SM town and all the shit that has gone down this year
I can't even remember how many times an idol was forced to preform on stage while sick and especially with rookie groups half of the girls end up sick or are absolutely exhausted on stage by the 2nd week. Gfriend rough- half had a cold, red velvet - joy was sick and couldn't sing that well for their first few stages and twice sana debuted sick, f(x) Krystal fainted 2 times, Ailee preform with a cast for weeks, Tiffany losing her voice, Exo chanyeol was about to faint, girl's day hyeri fainted on stage and last month three idols have been admitted to the hospital. that's a few I can remember off the top of my head who knows how many more...
Ailed is not forced. Her company wanted her to rest but she already promised the fan that she will have a comeback. So ailed perform because it's her own will
I remember seeing on 2ne1 TV where they lived. It was a really nice place, but it wasn't celebrity quality, not by far. It was actually a lot like one of the nicer places my uncle lived in. It was somewhere I picture super lucky middle-class working people living. It's heart breaking. But these companies probably keep a ridiculous amount of the money their stars make, so it wouldn't surprise me if that's the best the idols could do even if they got to choose where to live. This is the kind of thing that used to happen to American celebrities a long time ago, back when movies and music first became a big deal. It's heart-breaking. All the work that they put into this deserves proper compensation.
Yeah YG is already one of those better entertainment companies in terms of idol treatment. I say this based on comparing dorms of idols I've seen through reality shows E.g Beast, 2ne1, Big bang, F(x), Shinee. For example, have any of your watched WIN: Who is Next? The trainee dorms are on par and better than some debuted idol's dorms! I'm not even joking!!
Here's what frustrates me! 1. These idols DONT NEED TO DIET ITS MAKING IT WORST FOR THEM Eunha from Gfriend said herself "I don't need to diet to be fit" if everyone had a mindset like that everyone would be healthy! It's their body and they are stuck with it forever, even if you do plastic surgery or even diet it wouldn't matter.
I don't understand why some people are saying that S&M are only saying negative things about being a kpop artist when they said in the beginning it's from their perspective so obviously they find some things bad that someone else might find okay , i honestly wouldn't want to either, i like my personal space but to all those kpop artists out there it's awesome that they do so much and for them it's their passion for music that outweighs the cons.
What they say about the industry is a lot of the reasons why JYJ split from TVXQ. They went up against SMtown and won, which is unheard of over there. You would think that from the millions of dollars that these groups generate for these companies, that they would be treated more humanely and paid better.
A good thing to check out as well is a documentary the BBC did not too long ago. They followed the group Nine Muses before their debut and if you still haven't grasped just how ruthless and brutal the industry is you will do after watching it. I'm pretty sure someone's uploaded it onto TH-cam - just search 'BBC Nine Muses Documentary' and it should be the first video listed.
im a foreigner... or non-english speaking country.. i know its random, but i love how you guys speak.. its loud and clear.. and its probably because you guys are English teacher.. just want to say that.. your videos give me lots of information about how to live in different countries with completely different culture from yourself... INSPIRATIONAL...
Does the average k-pop idol get fairly compensated (financially) for all of these headaches? I assume the huge stars (GD, etc) are well off, but how about the average member of a semi-successful band (After School, Beast)? Nana of Orange Caramel explained how her shared dorm does not even have a couch, and that blows my mind considering how popular they are (at least within Korea, Japan, Thailand). Thanks
During DBSK's trial it was revealed that they received ridiculously little from their album sales. SME is really the worst when it comes to the wellbeing of their idols, which is why I don't support any SME artists anymore
Even though there are all those conditions, I still want to become a kpop idol. I love performing and I'll deal with anything and everything to become one. What can I say, I love music that much.
I couldn't agree more with Simon and Martina. A few years ago, I dreamed of becoming an idol too. Not because of the fame and fortune, because I loved music and I thought that if I ever had a superstar status that I can change the world. I wasn't amazing but I thought I had potential. I did online auditions and almost signed up to a singing school. As I grew up, and went through university, I began thinking of what I wanted to do if the whole KPop thing didn't work, and realised my two greatest values were creativity and work-life balance. And then finally understood, that the KPop industry couldn't offer me the life I really wanted. Work-life balance, I don't think I need to explain, but you might think that being an idol/artist would let you be creative. I beg to differ. Music should be able creativity and self-expression. I know some idols write their own songs, but the majority of the time you are expressing what the management wants, what will bring in the money. You're basically a puppet that's been trained to sing, dance and speak. I realised that even in this music industry, you probably wouldn't have this creative freedom to do what you love, and that didn't seem right in my head. If you think about it, there are so many TH-cam musicians that are more successful than idol groups that are not from the bigger entertainment companies, and they get to create music they want, tour and you know, have a life. If you love music, singing or dancing, I don't believe KPop is the only avenue, and to be honest, with all the people wanting to be Kpop idols these days, you would probably have more luck on TH-cam. I'm not saying this to stamp on someone's dreams or hate on the KPop world. I love KPop (don't listen to anything else) and I think it's great to have dreams, but sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture and see that the reality of your dreams may not be the best and that there are other options. As someone who used to have the same thoughts of being an idol but has since changed her mind, I just wanted to offer my thoughts on the situation. PS. Simon & Martina, if Dongho doesn't take up the job offer, I gladly will. I'll be in Seoul on the 27th. :P
So freaking good, no way that I just discovered this master piece! Is really good finally to see something like this. Here guys you have a new subscriber. Also so sad for what happened with Jonghyung, its totally unfair.
I feel very sorry for the Kpop idols. They have to put up with back-breaking work just to stay at the top, pleasing the fans and keeping their public image 24/7...I pray for their health.
Awesome video! I'm a big UKISS fan and personal support dongho's decision. His still young enough to live his own and if he changes his mind to come back later on in life. I just really hope his fans give him the life he wants. :/
Yes Dongho work at EatYourKimchi!!! :D I am kind of happy and sad he left the group. Happy because he can live a better life now :), Sad because I won't see him perform anymore :(
Please do it ! or can you tell us on your blog what you know about contracts in the Kpop industry ? I've heard that YG Ent is pretty fair in their contracts. And are idols really JUST idols to their fans ? I've heard that idols are considerate as employees working on stage by their companies.
Eat Your Kimchi Please do. SM had audition in my country couple months ago. At least non-Korean should know the real situation from neutral people about Korean showbiz, especially Kpop, before entering the real deal.
NurmaBP I think they want to do it (and not just for us, I think even korean people don't really know what awaits them after being an idol) but maybe they feel like not knowing enough to do so. But I hope they will :D
From when I was 9 to when I was 12 years old, I attended a performing arts school in place of regular school in Sweden. Aside from learning the mandatory subjects like maths, science, languages and humanities, we would all have to practice music and especially singing for a few hours every day, and could choose to do dance or learn instruments as well. On top of that we would perform at different venues around the country, and around Europe, which meant that every student in my class had to have a passport, and parents willing to either travel with you, or sign you over into someone else's care for a few days or occasionally a couple of weeks every month. We would get very short breaks for Christmas, and were also booked for musicals and shows outside of our school semesters as well, so it could happen that we would go on summer break and not have a single day off because we were performing in a musical for the entire summer. If a company asked for actors or singers, we would all have to audition and while we could say no if we didn't want the part, we were all strongly encouraged to accept (there was no punishment for saying no from the teachers, but there would be some dissent and sometimes outright bullying between students if someone turned down a part). In a sense, each year group was like a group of twenty-thirty members. We all had to be very well acquainted with one another, but because we spent sooo much time in close quarters (and we were kids) obviously there were a lot of arguments. There would especially be arguments about dating (dating is srs bsns when you're twelve, obviously), or whenever the school had "talent shows". Nothing turns kids against one another as quickly as a competition. It wasn't unheard of that kids in the performing arts section of our school would suffer under the stress of our schedules, and I'd say easily 50% of the kids would form depression or panic attacks at one point or another - a few people were diagnosed with eating disorders - because every single one of us wanted to be famous when we finished school. I started self-harming to cope because I fell out with my friends when I landed a part that we all wanted. But as much as it was hard work, and painful, and permanently scarring, and demanding huge amounts of time and responsibility from us before we even hit our teens, I don't think I have ever experienced the same high I got as when I landed a solo part in a show, or when we as a class effing nailed a tough choral arrangement. It's been about 12 years since I moved country and left that school, but I would give anything to feel as devoted to something as I did then. Since giving up music I find it super hard to be motivated about anything, and I say this as someone who's one year away from completing a second degree in something I don't actually love as much as I did singing. So for me, HELL YEAH, I would sign one of those contracts. I'd rather work myself to death doing something I love than have all the freedom and privacy that I want but no interest in my health or future.
With the dating thing, something similar happened to L of infinite, there was a rumor that he dated the girl from his show or something like that and things just kind of blew up. I agree that yeah maybe I would be upset if I saw one of my favorite idols with another girl but seriously (its never gonna happen between myself and the idol no matter what so I can dream on) they should be happy and we should be happy for them, they go through enough as it is. I feel horrible about how we made Jonghyun feel, or any of our idols feel when it comes to that stuff
the only other thing i would hate to happen is, the backlash he may receive from leaving the group. Most sane people will understand his concern to not further deteriorate his health. But there most likely will be those diehards and possibly even other idols that may say he is coping out or have the mentality of, "if we can do it, you can do it". I hope that doesn't happen to him and he can stay under the radar and pursue what truly makes him happy.
I understand...I've thought about this before too...and I guess...maybe ppl loved singing and dancing and they thought that they would be really pretty/handsome when they are famous? And I really hope kpop idols can have a better life...seriously
I would still want to be a kpop idol because dancing is my life. I understand all of the cons. But the greatness of dancing on stage and working with other bands would just be a dream come true. I'm not in it for the money. I'm in it for the dream.
I love U-Kiss, they seem really nice. Sad to see Dongho leaving. I wish him the best and hope he finds his true passion. I know entertainment is my passion, K-Pop in particular. If someone said, "We will make sure you have what you need to live, and that you get to all the events but you won't be paid," I would say, "Yes," and be so happy I do not have words to describe it. I have wanted to be an entertainer as long as I can remember. I am part Asian/Caucasian and my family have been directors, Opera singers, musicians, actors and just all-around entertainers. Since I was 7, I have studied acting, dancing and singing and have been in numerous plays, ballets and the movie 'High School Musical 3'. I have slept on dressing room counters, under tables, backstage, on public buses and gone with no sleep at all. I have gotten by on only white rice, convenience store food and no food and have travelled 4 hours one way, worked 6 and travelled 4 hours back every day for months on public transportation. Living with other people and no privacy or dating, performing while ill or injured is all part of it and I just don't mind (and I have experienced all of this) because I live for making people feel something with my art. and I posted this on their blog.
I'm still sad abt Dongho leaving, but after watching this, I feel like I can better understand why he left.. And I really liked what you said at the end, that you're not gonna favour a new group over an already famous one because all of the groups work hard.. That was well said.. :) Thanks for posting this, you guys!!
I would still want to be a KPOP idol. I love singing and dancing so much, I couldn't imagine wanting to do anything else. It's obvious there are a lot of cons, but for me, the pro is I would be doing what makes me so happy.
I get so mad whenever I see K-pop idols going on record and saying stuff about their crazy diets AND then the media would glorify it because young girls will try to follow their steps! How do I know this? Because I was effing there before! I struggled with an eating disorder for years and my god, just the way the K-pop industry fueled it! I actually did the Girls' Generation 800 kcal/day diet FOR A VERY LONG TIME. I'm happy to report that I have fully recovered and that I can stand here today and speak out against the messages that the industry sends to young people. (oh and yeah, as much as I love IU and I really do, she seems like such a sweet girl, I had to really restrain from breaking my monitor when I found out she was trying to lose weight.) Yeah, rant over.
jounghyun cried on stage in a concert in taiwan because they where the first fans the support him dating shin sekyung, at the concert they even held up posters saying '' jounghyun we will protect you '' thats what real fans are like, you gotta love taiwanese fans . I felt so sorry for him .
this video so true... i follow shinee and snsd, they have no rest. besides, MV & singing on stage & concerts, they have to make CV, magazine photoshoot, reality show, musical, tv drama.... and if there's any backstage video, they have to keep smiling..... T.T when did they sleep? i know they're super rich in young age, like taemin 20 y.o already can afford house for his parents in cheongdamdong... but crazy life, they need rest @.@ even this year, shinee make like 4 korean albums and japan tour and japan album. like crazy..uncountable MV this year, they have to memorize so many hard choreography. even now onew still performing while his neck hurts.... crazy entertainment industry
If you ever heard about what Kim jong kook and turbo went through back in the 90s, you would never want to be a pop star. Hospitalized three times every month, abused, no rest or sleep and an insane schedule. The abuse is almost gone and the schedules are better now but I would never want to sell my soul to kpop.
I have seen k-pop idols fall asleep during interviews,even standing,Yuri of SNSD fell asleep while making kimchi on IY.They look so tired,miserable,instead of enjoying the program i just feel bad for them.When you hear how hard they really work and those contracts of theirs,i really feel for them.There doesn't seem to be any glamour in being a k-pop idol.Just bright lights and a few perks.
The fact that Jjong got shamed so badly for having a romantic partner at one point...idk, it feels like it must have been one of hundreds of things that factored into his suicide. Terrible.
+lil art if you get the mean of the age from kpop groups now vs the kpop groups before, it 's actually the opposite. can give you some numbers if you'd like :)
Yes....nothing is painted in PINK in this world its hard to just give up a dream that u been dreaming for ages even if its hard i would still be happy to have accomplished that dream. ^^ To all the kpop idols GAMSAHABNIDA and FIGHTING!!!!!
I personally would still like to be a kpop star. Yes all the cons are quite a lot and yes you may not have the chance to sleep very much, or have privacy, but what these stars are doing is continuing their dreams, and not only bringing happiness to their fans but themselves as well. Yes, some days it may seem like they would just want to quit, but in the end it all seems worth it. I would still want to be a k-idol because I would be doing what I love most .. Performing and making others happy. Yes life may be tough, but it's all worth it in the end. The sad part is, I actually DO want to be a k-idol, but no one comes to Canada anymore (at least not Ontario). But, if I were given the opportunity, I would definitely take it ^^ this is just my opinion.
I would truthfully love to wake up early and drive to a radio interview, then do a TV appearance, then go to a photo shoot and then finish the day with a concert in front of thousands of fans! and be driven around in a van where you can sleep, talk to your members or listen to music haha. But i know that it would all be exhausting as hell >,
What u described is like a fairytale..don't forget that they have dancing,singing lessons (there are even english or other language lessons) every day and if not there are concerts,fan-meetings,variety shows etc. they don't get enough sleep and all this time they need to look perfect like every kpop idol needs to... i mean,it's sure as hell not easy,that's why i love them and respect that they still do this because they want to
It might sound glamorous, but it will slowly consume you. The pay isn't even that great. The only thing you are gaining in abundance is fame. And fame itself does not appeal to me. If it does to you, then it would be perfect for you. Edit: Just wanted to add that you also lose the most important things in life. Time with family and friends, downtime, traveling the world, meeting new people interested in you and not your status, and generally just life...
123itstime4tea Yeah I know all that, what I said in my comment sounds super breezy and fun. I don't say that I would truthfully love to loose contact with my family, friends and work that hard for a pay that's not worth it. Nor would I want to hardly sleep and have restrictions on most of my personal life. I think people are misinterpreting my comment a little. I' not oblivious to what Kpop idols go through, I'm only stating the part I would enjoy is all >,
He is only 19. I can understand that being an idol was maybe too much and he wanted to live his life freely. I do respect Kpop idols though. They work really hard.
im sad hes leaving but i hope he is able to lead the life he wishes, i really hope he isnt pressured to go back into something he dosent want! best of luck to dongho! AND HOLY JESUS READ THE ARTICLE ON BUSKER BUSKER; NEW FOUND RESPECT!! srsly, its so nice to hear what really happens and no joke they gained another fan/ supporter!
I understand. I will miss Dongho. When I was heartbroken to hear and see how Beast felt about black people. I wanted to find someone else who looked like Yoseob. He was my very first bias EVAR! And so I was really depressed when I heard and saw how he treadted black people, and not being a Christian. One day I was listening to youtube and saw a recommnded video andI watched it. It was Ukiss "Oh mama ha ni!" (or something like that) And I instantly saw Dongho and wanted to know him more. So he was the one who fixed my broken heart and to see him go, its really... depressing me. :'( I wish the best for him...
Yeah, I didnt know this but I saw some old videos of them on a variety show, and one of them had pained their face black wearing an afro wig and eating a watermelon. When they came to NYC to perform at a concert, they had a question time with the fans, and my friend who went there told me that they didnt pick not one black person to answer. and other things like the "illuminati" signs... thats the reason why i stopped listening to Beast.
sailorcaramel That was just Gikwang. There's always going to be some level of prejudice in SK, but what Gikwang had to say about the blackface was that the producers and hosts of the show told him he had to do it, so instead of being a rational adult like he should be and refusing to do something like that, he did it with no protest. I really look down on Gikwang whether his intentions were really racially motivated or not, he is either racist, or an idiot who can't see when something is wrong. It's unfortunate that it is reflecting on the other members of Beast, even though Yoseop prefers to date within his race, I don't think that qualifies him as a racist.
Response to their question: I still want to be a Kpop star although I know all the cons of being an idol. I might sound crazy to some people that read this but here are my reasons: 1. I have always liked singing, dancing and acting, they really appealed to me when I was younger, and still do. 2. Because I want a singing/dancing/acting career, I know I can either do it in America(where I live), it in a place I want to go. 2.5 ( cont. from #2) I've auditioned for some things and sometimes I don't always get the same treatment as other Americans( no hate!!!, I have a lot of American friends) but sometimes when/if I win, the other auditioners make comments like, " can't that Asian just go back to where she came from she doesn't belong here. I really hate going through that and I'm really sure it would be a different situation if I was in a different country. 3. Being able to perform is awesome, just thinking about it. I know I probably wouldn't last, but I get so excited before I perform, usually I can't sleep(I'm wierd) Thanks for anyone who read this :) Sorry for taking ur time, I just really wanted to share how much I would like to be a Kpop star.
I admit that I like J-idols more than K-idols. But still, be it Japanese or Korean, I respect them all as humans. They still needed to be treated humanely, get paid, have off-days, be given breaks and privacy, be allowed to be in relationships and let the fans have understanding and respect to them, just among other things. If I were to be a CEO of an idol agency, I'd do all these that I mentioned, that I let them have romances, let them have working days off or let them have a few concerts in a week where in some days of the week it'll be their rest/free day, let the fans understand they're all still humans that deserves freedom and rights, teach the fans to respect them and not be possessive, obsessive and delusional over them. Most importantly, never treat them as slaves; sure they got to work hard, but they need to have breaks, be fair and give them payment. Overall, a hard-working yet happy and comfortable working environment with fairness; that should be the main policy.
I really, really liked that you guys talked about them living together, because, as someone who enjoys her alone time, I cannot even imagine what these idols must deal with sometimes. It always bothers me when people are like, 'oh he/she looks cranky' or 'they're so quiet all the time.' Probably because they're running on nothing and had an argument with a fellow member and don't really feel like being happy all the time.
i honestly would still want to be a kpop idol because the music that they make makes me happy when i hear it and when i hear my favorite idol or idol group has new stuff coming out i get excited and i can't wait to hear what they have this time and mainly i tend to stress and worry about tons of stuff that i don't need to worry about at all and listening to kpop makes me happy and makes me forget about my stresses and what not and especially when i'm sad (like i just had a huge fight with a friend or sibling or my parents or my grades went down and my parents scolded me [my parents' approval means a lot to me] or i was publicly embarrassed in some way) and i listen to kpop or watch an mv it makes me forget about my troubles and it really relaxes me. it's always been my goal to become a singer and and make music that makes people feel the way i do when i listen to music in other words i wanna make music that makes people happy and helps them forget their troubles and worries for awhile. even with all the restrictions and rules and general exhaustion that comes with being a kpop idol i would still willingly jump headfirst into it to accomplish my goal
what's driving me? the fact that my passion overshadows all the cons. kpop literally saved my life. this DREAM saved my life, if not i would have killed myself already. how? because i want to be an idol, i cant cut because i dont want to have scars when i go in front of other people. because i had a dream that i met a whole bunch of idols, and hugged my angel Dongwoo, i started hugging people around me alot, making me, and the people around me much happier because hugging has positive effects. singing improves your posture and mood. dancing makes you stronger. even if you get hate, you cant break down in public. youre forced to hold it in, making you stronger inside. youre forced to love your fans, making you a nicer person. people look up to you, you can save lives with your lyrics. you'll literally be their hero. i'm already freaking thin, i dont eat all day on purpose, so diet wont bother me. i do get hungry, but i dont care. work hours, i go to dance classes on purpose and go so hardcore, just recently i almost fainted after only 25 minutes because i gave it my all. why? because i want to be the best. dating life? i do want to have a boyfriend, but would i really if it means my partner getting hate? if it means theyll have to cry and apologise because i love them? i dont mind eating and sleeping in a van, or on the floor. because the pro overshadow all these. i get to do 2 of my favourite things at once, sing and dance. i can write my own songs, share my story with the world, motivate others like how idols like B.A.P and BTS motivate me. i dont know if youre trying to pull us dreamers down, or youre just stating your opinion, but theres no way im stopping now. and i know it seems like im just punishing myself by not eating or overworking myself but im used to it anyway. and im willing to break my entire body working that hard, even i die, because i would have died in an honourable way. i would have fans, people will love me. and love is life. if you think signing that contract=giving up your life, maybe thats true, but you get life back because love=life. whatever it is, im chasing this dream. watch me, i'll show you, i promise.
I remember Taemin (SHINee) saying in an interview years ago that when you plan on pursuing a career as an idol, you should be ready to sacrifice something for another.... guess Dongho values the other more than his idol career
i think it depends on how passionate you are. I mean despite all of these cons, I as a dancer love to dance and would do anything if I got to do that, and getting a 7 year contract saying "you have to dance for us and sing all the time" would be a dream come true because i get to do what I love every second of my life. I've even got myself into an exchange program to go to Korea and be able to audition for some of these companies despite all their crazyness. If you have a passion you should follow it, and thats what I plan to do. P.S. Love your vids :)
i'm not talented in singing nor dancing, but if i were, i'd give it a try at an audition. because dancing, singing and Korea are 3 things i like the most in my life and giving up without trying is silly when u want to fulfill your dreams. so whoever is up to that i cheer for u and hope it will make u happy.
Kinda sounds like the lifestyle of a doctor in the States, especially surgeons (12 hour surgeries bleaargh). Currently entrenched in medical school and I feeeeeeeeel the pain. /weeps Tempted to choose being a Kpop idol--a 7-year contract almost sounds good at this point, since for medicine it's 4 years of med school + anywhere from 3-7 years of residency (aka indentured servitude) afterwards.
Lol, surgeons and other med professionals have it quite easy compared to, let's say, investment bankers. I know because I have friends/family in both fields. Not to marginalize your workload or anything. The main point I'm trying to make is that it's all relative. To me, med school sounds much better than K-pop life. Haha..
corrobboree I don't think they're comparable at all. Some of these kids forego school on faith alone because debuting and being successful is not guaranteed (and rare imo). So theres a good number of kids that will not debut/flop without education or work experience in an academically competitive country. Even if they do debut, they might flop, and owe money to their companies. So most of these kids are fucked if they don't become successful and don't come from well off families. Once you graduate you're fairly set, yeah it might take you a while to pay off debt, but once you do, you'll be making good money. A med student has a clear cut path, no strings attached (aka no slave contracts), an idol is relying on faith. Working your ass off as a med student will pay off, for them, they could work 15 hour days for ten years and never see payoff. So no, its not comparable.
I actually just feel bad for them, that kind of life just sounds sad to me. How could you ever just be yourself when you're trying to fit these molds of what fans want you to be all the time?
I have wanted to be a kpop idol for years now, and even as I hear about the conditions and such of the idol lifestyle, I still want to. I went through a rough time in my life, and music was always the only thing that I could turn to. At the worst point in my life, I found kpop. I had quit dancing, I had stopped singing and I was just having a really horrible time. Kpop made me remember that there ARE things fun in life. It got me back into dancing which helped me lose weight be healthier. The more I listened to kpop, the more I danced, the more I got fully back into singing, I became happy. I can't, to this day, think of a time before kpop that I was actually genuinely happy. The music actually helped me. I have been around music my whole life, and I know how important it is to have music. Since kpop helped me through the worst time in my life, I really want to make music and perform for people, and I hope that maybe, even if it's just one person, that I can help someone realize that there's something happy in life. I have met such amazing people through kpop, and I can't imagine where I would be right now if I hadn't found the thing that finally made me happy. I can't picture myself doing anything different. I love singing. I love dancing. I love performing. I love making people happy. It's hard being in the US and trying to do this, but if all goes as planned, I will be in SK by the end of this year. I can almost fully understand Korean, and I can speak a good amount. No matter what I hear about kpop and being an idol that may be negative, it won't ever change the fact that I seriously can't imagine my life a different way and I really want to make people happy and hopefully help at least one person to smile, just as kpop helped me. I've never been happier in my life and I hope, someday, someone will smile and be happy listening to me or watching me on stage.
It's not just being a kpop idol but being a public figure in korea is fucking hard, your image is EVERYTHING there, hell even dating someone publicly is considered an "scandal" like wtf? and don't make me start with their almost unattainable beauty standars ugh
We all know it's hard to be a Kpop idol. It's deadly hard to be on stage or on schedule 24/7 but... I'm still wanting to do it. I want to sing, I want to entertain the people. It's not about the money or the fame... It's about how music and especialy Kpop helped me... It sounds weird but if it wasn't for Kpop I wasn't going to be the same person right now. And even though it's hard, even though I have approximately no chanse I'll keep trying.
when you said living together I literally just hfgjdytvj.... I have lived with 8 other people who I didn't know very well but now are friends with. Well everyone in that entire dorm we lived in got frigging scold because of 2 people SCREETCHING there lungs out. And the beds are made of polyester which is absolutely impossible to sleep on, plus our dorm was right next to another (10 people, we're all boys tho) and during those days we spend together, some of us: almost died by almost falling of a cliff because of wet weather and NO safety rules didn't even drink any water got attacked by blood thirsty leeches and ticks showered together work in rain over exhausted / worked ourselves and more... I managed to lose 4kg in 3 days BUT.... our training days are almost finish and we graduate in 2 weeks starting tomorrow Yeeeeeeeeeessssss!!!!!
I wouldn't want to enter the k-pop world because of all of those reasons and because I wouldn't be able to give my honest opinion on things. I'd have to sugarcoat things and lie to promote a "nice and gentle" image. There is nothing nice and gentle about life (except teddy bears and nemunekos). I've heard too many idols say, "We don't like when you invade our privacy. Please stop. We understand you love us and we will always-" NO. Blatantly say, "Stop it. You put people in danger and you won't get our attention. We will get the police involved." I also hate hearing, "We promise to keep giving you this good image and please listen to our album a lot and our good image is good and we are good so be good." Almost. Every. Group. Has said that. At one point or another, they have said that. Why not say something like, "In this new album we wanted to touch into this different theme. We got inspired by this thing/person we feel more people should know about." Stop repeating those over-rehearsed lines.
To be honest, I would still be a k-pop idol. I want to make people happy though music. I know I'll have to work very long hours as well as other things, but I'm willing to go through it if that means I can accomplish my dreams and make someone smile.
I sort of had an idea of what these idols go through. But I didn't know all the stuff they deal with. This is one of the reasons why I respect them so much, because they go through this to perform for their fans and also for other reasons (like because they like singing, dancing, etc)
No I would never be a kpop idol.Sure I love music,singing and especially dancing but for me freedom is a number one priority I want to do what I want I don't like to be controlled by people so much.
I would start a KPOP-like music company, but without the rules of not being as harsh and let the performers to do whatever they want. Are you interested someday?
The reason I would want To be a Kpop Idol is because You can actually grab a chance of "fame" Someone would see you singing on video. Me ,personally ,I love music and how it sounds I love to sings and the only chance to get heard is Korea.
One of my friends who's previously worked in the Kpop industry explained to me the salaries (or fortune) of Kpop stars. It's a pretty structured system that's very different from how artists make money in the States. While it has its benefits, it's definitely not something I envy.
It’s kind of long, sorry =( You nailed “no fortune, just fame” idea down. In my opinion, the way this industry is crafted doesn’t encourage or even allow for Idols to access their creative potential. In fact, I have a hard time considering K-pop Idols as artists. I view them as products because of how much control their company has on their work and lives in general. Sure, there are those token artists who actually write their own music, but for the most part, Idols are money-machines for their companies. I’m not going to explain it all here. For more solid figures on Idols’ salaries (which isn’t much), you can just google it. This particular link takes you to an article that tries to remain unbiased. IMO, the best part is the comments; they are written by people who know quite a bit about the industry, as well as the opinions of those who’ve lived in Korea. beyondhallyu.com/k-pop/k-pop-slave-contracts-a-closer-look/
I would still want to be a kpop idol. Like boa said when asked if she felt like she was missing out on her childhood when she was a lot younger, "You only get to be an idol once in your life, not everybody gets to be one" it's an opportunity and a rare privilege to be loved by so many, be recognized for your talents and to have people love what you love to do which is to sing and dance.
You know... I had that dream once, to become a Kpop singer, but after re-search and news here and there, I figured that I shouldn't participation in a Global competition which could make me an Kpop Idol in Korea, because I'm not sure i could handle the pressure. I support these idols to the max for staying so strong! FIGHTING!
Yeah I noticed the relationship thing a lot with G-dragon. Like he so much as hinted that he may be with someone in his ALS video that his "fans" went crazy. Like you would never have a chance at him, does he need to stay single to feed your twisted fantasies about him? Because someone being in a relationship suddenly makes them less of a person.
I know right? I'm so sick of these stupid kpop fans always fantasizing and hating on them JUST bc they're dating someone. Of course everyone should date at one point in their lives, but the fact that these fans get upset about it bc they want them for themselves, nuh uh sister, that aint gonna happen. They're humans too.
Candace C And then afterwards when the idols gets older people start asking them: Hey when are u gonna get married??? And the idols are just like.... o.O I never got the chance to meet anyone. It's so stupid cause they're human too, so they should have the freedom to do whatever they want
You just mentioned Jonghyun in this video and it's just...it really goes to show how many factors and moments may have led to the sad event. #buildaladder
I was really ashamed of my fandom when people freaked out about Jonghyun having a girlfriend. The boy begged for forgiveness for being a living being. I love him as an idol but at the same time respect him so I was rooting for him in his relationship. Its a shame'
+Juliette Fan
when did this happen? i never heard of it....okay i've only been a k-pop fan for a year, so maybe that's why ;)
but when was it? i think it's so wrong, that "so called fans" treated him like this and that HE felt guilty about it. that's just wrong on SO MANY LEVELS! how can you call yourself a fan, if your actions make your idol feel guilty and CRY on stage, for a totally natural, human thing called love?! that's just ....../sigh/
+Yamiko Sa.t-Snk.t it was 2010, people who are like this shouldn't call themselves fans. They aren't machines, they have emotions
Juliette Fan
thanks for telling me :)
and you're right, they are humans, so we should be supporting and happy when they find love :D
+Juliette Fan I feel so bad for kpop idols when they have a relationship because then their obsessive fans get jealous and give so much hate to their significant other... sad stuff
***** yeah I know T.T I don't like any of my idols like that. They are kind of like role models to me. Except one haha but even if he started dating yeah I'd be jealous but I'd never let them know or bash them for it. I'd want them to be happy. I'll just cry a bit in a corner by myself lol
There are so many videos of KPOP stars fainting on stage or having to be rushed to the hospital and the excuse given to the public by these companies is always "exhaustion", don't they know they can't make money off of these poor idols if they're dead?
that's sad. Pure and simply exploitation of these poor young people. :(
J-Pop and K-pop bands are manufactured in a plug and play system. One guy gets eliminated, another guy steps in. The Puerto Rican band Menudo might have started that concept back in 1977. Menudo is a kid band and once the kids grow up, they are replaced (38 members total).
I just want to congratulate Super Junior for their determination, perseverance and their awesome work ethics. They've been in Kpop industry for 10 years. I salute them. The road they have to take to achieve their stardom is not as glamorous as every one thinks. I think that what they have is truly remarkable-strong heart. SUPER JUNIOR DAEBAK!!!!
YASSSS and TVXQ they been going for 12 years
Ashley The girl who likes kpop Totally agree, but it's sad that in both groups there were members that left
Oh yeah, that's a really good example, congrats to them ;D
***** shinwa and suju and TVXQ are very great example fir long last and great kpop bands
Like this is soooo true ❤
And this is why I really respect ALL idol groups. They all work so hard, while I'm a really lazy piece of crap.
Mia P i agree! i mean no i don't really know if you're a lazy person but i would say the same thing for myself T.T dammit, i feel a lot guilty now T.T
El Tomandao It's ok v.v We'll get through this together.
***** My government? My government doesn't do shit. That's why my country sucks.
***** You don't know my parents. What the hell are you trying to start here?
***** You do realize that you're commenting on a video that's related to idols? All people here like idols. I'm old enough to know right from wrong, and you're just being an annoying troll.
I feel so bad for MBLAQ's Lee Joon. Insomnia and an in-humane schedule gave him bi-polar disorder. Bi-polar is very serious.There is a real risk of suicide in the depression stages. Stupid people complained because he was falling asleep on a variety show. He posted on-line “Am I a robot? Who do I keep doing this for….? I put up with it as long as I could, and I have something called opinions too." His company didn't sweep it under the rug, at least, which is rare. I think Joon is very brave for telling the truth. Sometimes I think I see in the eyes of Kpop idols that they are suffering, but are not allowed to say anything. :(
As far as I'm aware, he had bipolar disorder and insomnia even predebut and he says the insomnia makes it worse. I, too, suffer with the same problems and relate to Lee Joon a whooole lot. I can totally understand how he feels. I see a lot of myself in him, tot he point it's scary LOL. I do feel bad, because I know he's very passionate about acting, but even actors can have hectic schedules, I'm sure. I mean, you can sometimes just look at Joon and tell if he's well or not. For me, it's easy to see.
One thing I can say, from my personal experience with bipolar disorder, it is very hard for me to be happy, even when things go well for me. Like now, I have a good career opportunity, but I'm passionate about singing and music. I can be making a lot of money, but I'll be miserable, though I am doing something else I enjoy. Bipolar disorder is something hard to control and random for me. As Joon says, he feels bad for those who put up with his mood swings. I totally understand, as when I hit my lows, I can say awful things and I really worry people with my actions and words. It's a very scary thing.
All in all, bipolar disorder is one hell of a mental illness. I really feel for Joon. The members of MBLAQ seem to get along well and he seems to be very close to Seungho and trust him enough. So, as far as I know, at least he has a good friend in Seungho. I mean, Joon even said he felt closest to Seungho (In that double talk interview if I'm not mistaken?) and he felt jealous of the others sometimes. I can relate to that as well, being jealous and maybe a bit possessive.
Wow, this was longer than I thought haha. OTL Anyways, I do wish the best for him.
EricaMolinaro
Thanks for sharing ! Do take care and God bless :)
No problem. Lee Joon may not be my MBLAQ bias (It's Seungho pahaha!!), but I really look up to Joon as I can relate to him.
EricaMolinaro Ohh how did you know that?
Been a fan for a while, and then tumblr and other videos as well.~ I listen well and remember some things, but usually it's nothing of use I remember. OTL
WHOA! So frustrated that we can't reply to people! I know that the comment section changing is still new so they're working out the bugs but but but...SO MANY THING TO SAAAAYYYY! :O
I think you reply like this. Like click the reply button? I don't know. ;n;
Wait, I figured it out.
now i can reply!!! yay!! I HATE U GOOGLE+
I HATE IT!!! >.< WHAT, WHAT THISSS.... GRRRR...
Btw, click this link: [ 임창정-문을 여시오 M/V Full ver. ] XD
Edit: Yess...start learning new tricks from these new comment layouts...editing, sharing links etc... But still sucks because cannot reply or thumbs up/down the comment who not link with Google+… Hate it!
Well I can't wait for next week's KMM.
I can't wait for you guys to dish out the review for Troublemaker ;)
English subs are now up, if you're interested :D
Lol, right. Because you're speaking Kimchi here.
Do a video about Shes Mine, for Ukiss's sake :d
Portuguese subs please :c
Alguém legende por favor q
Thanks, it's really helpful.
so if you understand how shitty they treat people (you did not even mention how these girls are used for sex). why do you still support kpop?
Honestly I can 100% understand why Kris and Luhan left exo. I knew the Kpop world could be bad but I didnt know it was this bad. I would not like that life. I remember seeing a video of exo after Wolf debut. The just got done performing and then went back to he sm building to practice. Who know what the rest of their scedule was for that day. And they said they only get 2 to 3 hours of sleep a night. Also it seems there is alot of bulling not only in the Kpop world but in korean culture in general. I know there rumor mill was going after Kris left of SM controlling the rest of the member telling them what to say. taking their phones, and even hitting some of the members. I am not sure if any of that is true but I could see it being true. Even if Kpop idols have no you can not date rule in their contract, when do they even have the time. And their health omg i am suprised how some of them are not hospitalized for months. Not enough sleep, poor diet, performing while sick and hurt. That has to take a terrible tole on your body (even if they are young guys).
The health part always brings up the Chaneyol incident when he vomited off to the side and went back on to finish performing. Just recently Xiumin had the fever and he was allowed to stay home to recover.
eburel506 yess i remember watching Roommate when Chanyeol was in it and he would leave the house at like 8am to do his schedule come back around 5am, get maybe 3 hours of sleep and have another schedule to go to. and it would be like that every day :(
I feel like the companies should take care of their idols. I mean they need to eat healthy and get a proper sleep. Big ups to the kpop groups and idol's. They work hard, and I love them but I feel some type of way when I remember what they go through and it makes me not wanna watch them as much. And the stalker fan thing going on, they should have a law against that, like what if they end up hurting one of the idols really bad, then what, are they gonna just pretend like it didn't happen. That's not cool, they deserve a life too, if that was me I'd probably went crazy and quite. So big ups to them. ✊
+eburel506 It's treating humans like a disposable endless commodity and shouldn't be supported.
and now Tao left and it really is heart breaking because I love them so much as OT12 and Exo is one of the most successful boybands that sm has.
A lot of times when I'm watching interviews with k-pop groups on variety/talk-shows, you can just see in their faces that a lot of the time they look exhausted. Poor dears :( the other day I was watching the behind the scenes filming of B.A.P's Coffee Shop and Hurricane and at one point they were all so amazed by the penthouse suite they were filming in, and by passing by large houses in LA. I thought it was such a contrast to american pop stars who likely stay at those kind of places all the time. It seems pretty obvious that a lot of the money made by k-pop idols doesn't actually get spent on them..
No laws against stalking in Korea? that's friggin INSANE!! GOD I can't imagine what the female kpop groups go through!
DarthNutz I think the males have actually had it far harder. I've seen so many stories of boys from kpop bands being stalked, one of them even flipping out and telling a girl to fuck off.Stalkers are most likely mentally ill and probably not in an ego dystonic way (ego dystonic meaning that they can recognize they have a disorder, like how someone with OCD but not OCDP can.) There should DEFINITELY be laws about stalkers. That's just asking for someone to be hurt.
Vixx Celacea
Given the intensity of female fans over male fans I guess it does make sense. I guess its like if Justin Bieber's or One Direction's fans were legally allowed to stalk them, which would be friggin insane. You would get every nutjob coming out the wood work. But with all that said I still think it would probably be more dangerous for the female kpop groups since male stalkers could potentially be more violent.
Vixx Celacea
"I don't know why, and this might just be a stereotype, but I would swear there are far more devoted female fans of any group or idol then males. Perhaps males just don't gush about it the way females do though at least on average anyway."
I think that's true of music as a whole. There definitely are some Male mega fans of rap and rock but nothing beats the devotion of a female pop fan any where in the world.
Female fans are the reason Pop dominates over Rap and Rock.
DarthNutz It's pretty scary, from what I hear. There was one instance when a man made his way through security at a SNSD concert/show and he got to the stage and tried to abduct Taeyeon in the middle of her performance.
lokienvy
:O really?
It sucks for korean actors too. So many actors get in accidents because their manager was driving them and both them and the manager have been working non-stop. Get a driver! I tired manager cannot drive properly. If they're making so much money off these people give them the services they deserve. They need to get Guilds or Unions that protect people in the entertainment industry. Korea is so developed but it just recently developed and they don't have these institutions in place.
And yes, these cons would definitely curb my enthusiasm to be a k-pop star, if I had any to begin with
I've always said I could never be a kpop idol coz I value my freedom the most. Sometimes I just feel bad for them like all they do is work-eat-sleep (and sometimes they can't even eat so we're left with work & sleep). This is not what I call: Life. Plus the pressure when you have to be perfect ALL THE FREAKING TIME to please EVERY FREAKING PERSON in the world. I guess you just have to wonder if you're willing to trade your Freedom & Personal life, for Fame & Money. But for me, idols are like birds trap in a golden cage.
golden cage ~ true
all i want to do now is go meet every single one of my favorite kpop idol bring them home so that i can give them a bed and a proper meal MY POOR BABIES ARE SUFFERING ;-;
Sometimes groups don't get enough recognition just because they're from a smaller company and its really sad. :/ actually I would pity the other groups more because they work hard but get no recognition cuz they're from a smaller company or can't get enough publicity :/
I am extremely surprised and glad Simon and Martina did this video. I didn't realize Kpop celebs went through that much...I know they work extra hard and the pre-debut training is unimaginable but wow...
I think one of the worse thing of Kpop world is sasaeng fans. Gosh, they're creepy. What do they thinking by stalking their idols like that? I mean, chill out dudes.. you need a shrink not an idol.
I would not, and I really appreciate how hard those idols work. Some people just see the outer part of this crazy career.
Yeah..I would never want to be a Kpop idol. But, the fact that they work so hard is a huge reason to like Kpop. I respect them so much for all the time and effort they put in. I also think its ridiculous that some fans won't let thwm date. If your truly a fan and love them you would let them be as happy as they can because they all deserve it.
Knowing what they have to go through, it makes me feel guilty to be a K-Pop fan. And yet... I love it too much to stop. It makes me grateful for what they do.
As a singer myself, it makes me sad the way you describe that Kpop idols are fed sweets and junk food before they perform. Eating sweets (and anything milk-based for that matter) is the WORST thing to eat before you sing, because it clogs your throat. :/
Some tend to carry some tea to maintain their voice...
Eating sweets before a test or something big is considered a 'good luck' sign in South Korea. My math teacher does that to me.
Heck, I see D.O drinking milk before karaoke and still rocking that SNSD song. But yes it does give you phlegm, so it's weird how they still get to perform.
***** And you mean by..?
***** Then I do not need to answer your question. Because it is, a superstition.
***** I'm a fifth honor student in my school, my teacher just likes to give me sweets and I usually take it as a good luck sign for fun and motivation. I'm not that kind of person who depends on luck. Superstition is fun for me to do with my best friends. We like to believe.
another terrible thing would be to get criticized for any little physical flaw and be "required" to have plastic surgery. YIKES!
Anyone read the article about Brad in Busker Busker? It's insane!
The whole Superstar K thing. Wow. I thought they were nicer. I know that the Kpop industry is crazy, but this is worse. Far worse.
I have heard a lot that companies take trainees' and idols' cellphones, but is that the norm? Do they always do that?
to make sure no fuck ups happen from them using their phones pre-debut...
idol groups (especially female idols) should look up for Jennifer Lawrence and what she had said once. "I'm considered as a fat actress.I don't want little girls to be like, 'oh, I want to look like Katniss, so I'm going to skip dinner'. That's something I was really conscious of during training. I was trying to get my body to look fit and strong- not thin and underfed,"
It's really sad. I've seen some behind the scenes stuff and videos from MV shoots and it looks exhausting! Promoting all day, going to sleep at midnight, waking up at 2:00 to go film the video for at least 12 hours! Sleeping on the floor, dancing, sleeping on each other, dancing, going out to get food, sleeping on a chair... Even though they're always happy and positive I just feel so bad for them because it honestly seems like awful working conditions. Especially if your video doesn't end up getting a lot of views. I don't really get why they have to get it all done in one sitting? Why not let the idols sleep and rest so they can be at their best?
i would want to (if i had enough talent) because the love you get to share with the world when you are performing is the most beautiful thing. I do not remember who but a kpop star said in one of his interviews that when he saw that people were getting comfort and joy from his music he realized it was worth it.
Even after hearing all the cons of being an idol i still would love to become one. please dont think im crazy! >.< but i've already set my goals on being an idol and so no matter how many horrible stories i've read and heard i cant bring myself to change my mind. I seriously love singing and dancing and the thrill of performing and i dont see myself in the future as anything else. T.T
Woah... good luck to you then *shies away from person* ^w^
Aw~ Thank you !
that's so so super cool that you're so dedicated and prepared to be an idol. Major props to you and good luck!
good luck and don't give up if it's what you really want! :D
Ana Ali oh my goodness thank you so much !
In the recent years, my views and ideas on the idol life have changed drastically. I used to just look up to idols for their singing and dancing, but now, I know all of the shit they go through. And I hate it. I hate all of it.
But to be perfectly honest, I still want to be a Kpop idol. It's weird, I know. I don't understand it either. But even with all of the horrible things, I still want to perform. I want to sing, dance, rap, and inspire people. I want people to look up to me and I want to save lives, just like how my idols saved my life. I don't just want it, I NEED it.
I wouldn't do it for long, however. I would want to spend some years being an idol, then I want to go to college and start my own Kpop company. That way, I could run things a lot differently; I could treat the idols I manage like how I wanted to be treated. I could start a movement of running Kpop companies the EYK Studio way~!
When I heard he was quitting, I was shocked but then after watching this video, I'm kind of glad he's quitting and chasing his dreams. Dongho deserves to be happy and he knows what he wants to do with his life. Every K-pop stars deserve to be happy.
I'm not dating now, I would feel so lonely if I didn't date anyone because I was a k-pop star! But If I did start losing my fans because I was dating a k-pop star like Zico from block b for example, then I know they're not real fans and I wouldn't worry about them. I would just be thankful for having some fans that love and support me.
I'm not Korean being a k-pop star was one of my dreams.
I wouldn't mind sharing rooms because I don't like being alone and I may get along with everyone. I'm not one of those people that fight a lot or hates everyone.
I don't know. It may be hard for someone who isn't Korean to be a k-pop star. That's what I think. So whether I wanted to be a k-pop star or not, that may be out of the question for me.
I'm planning on a music company that is like KPOP, but without the harsh rules shown in the video. Let me know if you're interested.
all fans that were angry at jongyun because he had a girlfriend can't call them self fans and they should shame them self's because he deserves to have a life and love to... and i really don't wanna be a kpop idol maybe for one day then i can meet SHINee!! and quit when i met them xD
This is actually quite sad :( I used to want to be a Kpop idol because they made a lot of cool music and look great, but I don't want to be forced to do things I don't want to do almost EVERYDAY 😭 I'm torn.
Im wondering about how you guys feel about Kris leaving Exo earlier this year and now Luhan has left too. Also about SM town and all the shit that has gone down this year
I can't even remember how many times an idol was forced to preform on stage while sick and especially with rookie groups half of the girls end up sick or are absolutely exhausted on stage by the 2nd week. Gfriend rough- half had a cold, red velvet - joy was sick and couldn't sing that well for their first few stages and twice sana debuted sick, f(x) Krystal fainted 2 times, Ailee preform with a cast for weeks, Tiffany losing her voice, Exo chanyeol was about to faint, girl's day hyeri fainted on stage and last month three idols have been admitted to the hospital. that's a few I can remember off the top of my head who knows how many more...
Ailed is not forced. Her company wanted her to rest but she already promised the fan that she will have a comeback. So ailed perform because it's her own will
Ester Aprilini Ailee really loves her fans but her company really should have pushed her to get some more rest
+Ester Aprilini It doesn't matter if they offered it. They should have enforced it.
I remember seeing on 2ne1 TV where they lived. It was a really nice place, but it wasn't celebrity quality, not by far. It was actually a lot like one of the nicer places my uncle lived in. It was somewhere I picture super lucky middle-class working people living. It's heart breaking. But these companies probably keep a ridiculous amount of the money their stars make, so it wouldn't surprise me if that's the best the idols could do even if they got to choose where to live. This is the kind of thing that used to happen to American celebrities a long time ago, back when movies and music first became a big deal. It's heart-breaking. All the work that they put into this deserves proper compensation.
I didn't say they needed a mansion. I just said that they deserved nicer.
Yeah YG is already one of those better entertainment companies in terms of idol treatment. I say this based on comparing dorms of idols I've seen through reality shows E.g Beast, 2ne1, Big bang, F(x), Shinee. For example, have any of your watched WIN: Who is Next? The trainee dorms are on par and better than some debuted idol's dorms! I'm not even joking!!
Here's what frustrates me! 1. These idols DONT NEED TO DIET ITS MAKING IT WORST FOR THEM Eunha from Gfriend said herself "I don't need to diet to be fit" if everyone had a mindset like that everyone would be healthy! It's their body and they are stuck with it forever, even if you do plastic surgery or even diet it wouldn't matter.
I don't understand why some people are saying that S&M are only saying negative things about being a kpop artist when they said in the beginning it's from their perspective so obviously they find some things bad that someone else might find okay , i honestly wouldn't want to either, i like my personal space but to all those kpop artists out there it's awesome that they do so much and for them it's their passion for music that outweighs the cons.
What they say about the industry is a lot of the reasons why JYJ split from TVXQ. They went up against SMtown and won, which is unheard of over there. You would think that from the millions of dollars that these groups generate for these companies, that they would be treated more humanely and paid better.
yup so true i hate it when people know about sm's shit and stuff but still want to audition for sm
A good thing to check out as well is a documentary the BBC did not too long ago. They followed the group Nine Muses before their debut and if you still haven't grasped just how ruthless and brutal the industry is you will do after watching it. I'm pretty sure someone's uploaded it onto TH-cam - just search 'BBC Nine Muses Documentary' and it should be the first video listed.
im a foreigner... or non-english speaking country.. i know its random, but i love how you guys speak.. its loud and clear.. and its probably because you guys are English teacher.. just want to say that.. your videos give me lots of information about how to live in different countries with completely different culture from yourself... INSPIRATIONAL...
Does the average k-pop idol get fairly compensated (financially) for all of these headaches? I assume the huge stars (GD, etc) are well off, but how about the average member of a semi-successful band (After School, Beast)? Nana of Orange Caramel explained how her shared dorm does not even have a couch, and that blows my mind considering how popular they are (at least within Korea, Japan, Thailand).
Thanks
no
During DBSK's trial it was revealed that they received ridiculously little from their album sales. SME is really the worst when it comes to the wellbeing of their idols, which is why I don't support any SME artists anymore
Even though there are all those conditions, I still want to become a kpop idol. I love performing and I'll deal with anything and everything to become one. What can I say, I love music that much.
korea society seems depressing..
+Flux Lore ye their education system also is as bad if not worse
+Xiang Yu I cant live in a country where you study 12hrs a day, then study again when you get home and even in weekends? though i love kpop haha
I couldn't agree more with Simon and Martina. A few years ago, I dreamed of becoming an idol too. Not because of the fame and fortune, because I loved music and I thought that if I ever had a superstar status that I can change the world. I wasn't amazing but I thought I had potential. I did online auditions and almost signed up to a singing school. As I grew up, and went through university, I began thinking of what I wanted to do if the whole KPop thing didn't work, and realised my two greatest values were creativity and work-life balance. And then finally understood, that the KPop industry couldn't offer me the life I really wanted. Work-life balance, I don't think I need to explain, but you might think that being an idol/artist would let you be creative. I beg to differ. Music should be able creativity and self-expression. I know some idols write their own songs, but the majority of the time you are expressing what the management wants, what will bring in the money. You're basically a puppet that's been trained to sing, dance and speak. I realised that even in this music industry, you probably wouldn't have this creative freedom to do what you love, and that didn't seem right in my head. If you think about it, there are so many TH-cam musicians that are more successful than idol groups that are not from the bigger entertainment companies, and they get to create music they want, tour and you know, have a life. If you love music, singing or dancing, I don't believe KPop is the only avenue, and to be honest, with all the people wanting to be Kpop idols these days, you would probably have more luck on TH-cam.
I'm not saying this to stamp on someone's dreams or hate on the KPop world. I love KPop (don't listen to anything else) and I think it's great to have dreams, but sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture and see that the reality of your dreams may not be the best and that there are other options. As someone who used to have the same thoughts of being an idol but has since changed her mind, I just wanted to offer my thoughts on the situation.
PS. Simon & Martina, if Dongho doesn't take up the job offer, I gladly will. I'll be in Seoul on the 27th. :P
So freaking good, no way that I just discovered this master piece! Is really good finally to see something like this. Here guys you have a new subscriber. Also so sad for what happened with Jonghyung, its totally unfair.
I feel very sorry for the Kpop idols. They have to put up with back-breaking work just to stay at the top, pleasing the fans and keeping their public image 24/7...I pray for their health.
The best friend for life bit sounds harsher now. I am a fan since I was in high school. I hope you two get the peace and healing you need to grow.
YG doesn't seem to have those kind of problems, they seem to treat their idols well, by giving them great facilities and artistic freedom.
Awesome video! I'm a big UKISS fan and personal support dongho's decision. His still young enough to live his own and if he changes his mind to come back later on in life. I just really hope his fans give him the life he wants. :/
Yes Dongho work at EatYourKimchi!!! :D
I am kind of happy and sad he left the group. Happy because he can live a better life now :), Sad because I won't see him perform anymore :(
EXO's Kris is leaving SM and not just because of his health....allegedly.
We've got some things to say about it and about Kpop contracts in general. Hmm... Not sure if we should do a TL;DR on it, though...
Please do it ! or can you tell us on your blog what you know about contracts in the Kpop industry ? I've heard that YG Ent is pretty fair in their contracts. And are idols really JUST idols to their fans ? I've heard that idols are considerate as employees working on stage by their companies.
Eat Your Kimchi
Please do. SM had audition in my country couple months ago. At least non-Korean should know the real situation from neutral people about Korean showbiz, especially Kpop, before entering the real deal.
NurmaBP
I think they want to do it (and not just for us, I think even korean people don't really know what awaits them after being an idol) but maybe they feel like not knowing enough to do so. But I hope they will :D
From when I was 9 to when I was 12 years old, I attended a performing arts school in place of regular school in Sweden. Aside from learning the mandatory subjects like maths, science, languages and humanities, we would all have to practice music and especially singing for a few hours every day, and could choose to do dance or learn instruments as well. On top of that we would perform at different venues around the country, and around Europe, which meant that every student in my class had to have a passport, and parents willing to either travel with you, or sign you over into someone else's care for a few days or occasionally a couple of weeks every month.
We would get very short breaks for Christmas, and were also booked for musicals and shows outside of our school semesters as well, so it could happen that we would go on summer break and not have a single day off because we were performing in a musical for the entire summer. If a company asked for actors or singers, we would all have to audition and while we could say no if we didn't want the part, we were all strongly encouraged to accept (there was no punishment for saying no from the teachers, but there would be some dissent and sometimes outright bullying between students if someone turned down a part). In a sense, each year group was like a group of twenty-thirty members. We all had to be very well acquainted with one another, but because we spent sooo much time in close quarters (and we were kids) obviously there were a lot of arguments.
There would especially be arguments about dating (dating is srs bsns when you're twelve, obviously), or whenever the school had "talent shows". Nothing turns kids against one another as quickly as a competition. It wasn't unheard of that kids in the performing arts section of our school would suffer under the stress of our schedules, and I'd say easily 50% of the kids would form depression or panic attacks at one point or another - a few people were diagnosed with eating disorders - because every single one of us wanted to be famous when we finished school. I started self-harming to cope because I fell out with my friends when I landed a part that we all wanted.
But as much as it was hard work, and painful, and permanently scarring, and demanding huge amounts of time and responsibility from us before we even hit our teens, I don't think I have ever experienced the same high I got as when I landed a solo part in a show, or when we as a class effing nailed a tough choral arrangement. It's been about 12 years since I moved country and left that school, but I would give anything to feel as devoted to something as I did then. Since giving up music I find it super hard to be motivated about anything, and I say this as someone who's one year away from completing a second degree in something I don't actually love as much as I did singing.
So for me, HELL YEAH, I would sign one of those contracts. I'd rather work myself to death doing something I love than have all the freedom and privacy that I want but no interest in my health or future.
I want Dongho to work with you guys!
With the dating thing, something similar happened to L of infinite, there was a rumor that he dated the girl from his show or something like that and things just kind of blew up. I agree that yeah maybe I would be upset if I saw one of my favorite idols with another girl but seriously (its never gonna happen between myself and the idol no matter what so I can dream on) they should be happy and we should be happy for them, they go through enough as it is. I feel horrible about how we made Jonghyun feel, or any of our idols feel when it comes to that stuff
the only other thing i would hate to happen is, the backlash he may receive from leaving the group. Most sane people will understand his concern to not further deteriorate his health. But there most likely will be those diehards and possibly even other idols that may say he is coping out or have the mentality of, "if we can do it, you can do it". I hope that doesn't happen to him and he can stay under the radar and pursue what truly makes him happy.
Okay, somehow the idea of Dongho working with Simon and Martina in the EYK Studio sounds interesting :D
I understand...I've thought about this before too...and I guess...maybe ppl loved singing and dancing and they thought that they would be really pretty/handsome when they are famous? And I really hope kpop idols can have a better life...seriously
I would still want to be a kpop idol because dancing is my life. I understand all of the cons. But the greatness of dancing on stage and working with other bands would just be a dream come true. I'm not in it for the money. I'm in it for the dream.
I love U-Kiss, they seem really nice. Sad to see Dongho leaving. I wish him the best and hope he finds his true passion. I know entertainment is my passion, K-Pop in particular. If someone said, "We will make sure you have what you need to live, and that you get to all the events but you won't be paid," I would say, "Yes," and be so happy I do not have words to describe it.
I have wanted to be an entertainer as long as I can remember. I am part Asian/Caucasian and my family have been directors, Opera singers, musicians, actors and just all-around entertainers. Since I was 7, I have studied acting, dancing and singing and have been in numerous plays, ballets and the movie 'High School Musical 3'.
I have slept on dressing room counters, under tables, backstage, on public buses and gone with no sleep at all. I have gotten by on only white rice, convenience store food and no food and have travelled 4 hours one way, worked 6 and travelled 4 hours back every day for months on public transportation.
Living with other people and no privacy or dating, performing while ill or injured is all part of it and I just don't mind (and I have experienced all of this) because I live for making people feel something with my art.
and I posted this on their blog.
I'm still sad abt Dongho leaving, but after watching this, I feel like I can better understand why he left.. And I really liked what you said at the end, that you're not gonna favour a new group over an already famous one because all of the groups work hard.. That was well said.. :) Thanks for posting this, you guys!!
I would still want to be a KPOP idol. I love singing and dancing so much, I couldn't imagine wanting to do anything else. It's obvious there are a lot of cons, but for me, the pro is I would be doing what makes me so happy.
I'll sign with YG (ygstan) cuz they have a cafeteria and neurologist and a trainer don't perforn on every show and dont make alot variety show
I get so mad whenever I see K-pop idols going on record and saying stuff about their crazy diets AND then the media would glorify it because young girls will try to follow their steps! How do I know this? Because I was effing there before! I struggled with an eating disorder for years and my god, just the way the K-pop industry fueled it! I actually did the Girls' Generation 800 kcal/day diet FOR A VERY LONG TIME. I'm happy to report that I have fully recovered and that I can stand here today and speak out against the messages that the industry sends to young people. (oh and yeah, as much as I love IU and I really do, she seems like such a sweet girl, I had to really restrain from breaking my monitor when I found out she was trying to lose weight.) Yeah, rant over.
jounghyun cried on stage in a concert in taiwan because they where the first fans the support him dating shin sekyung, at the concert they even held up posters saying '' jounghyun we will protect you '' thats what real fans are like, you gotta love taiwanese fans . I felt so sorry for him .
this video so true... i follow shinee and snsd, they have no rest.
besides, MV & singing on stage & concerts, they have to make CV, magazine photoshoot, reality show, musical, tv drama.... and if there's any backstage video, they have to keep smiling..... T.T when did they sleep?
i know they're super rich in young age, like taemin 20 y.o already can afford house for his parents in cheongdamdong... but crazy life, they need rest @.@
even this year, shinee make like 4 korean albums and japan tour and japan album. like crazy..uncountable MV this year, they have to memorize so many hard choreography. even now onew still performing while his neck hurts....
crazy entertainment industry
If you ever heard about what Kim jong kook and turbo went through back in the 90s, you would never want to be a pop star. Hospitalized three times every month, abused, no rest or sleep and an insane schedule. The abuse is almost gone and the schedules are better now but I would never want to sell my soul to kpop.
I have seen k-pop idols fall asleep during interviews,even standing,Yuri of SNSD fell asleep while making kimchi on IY.They look so tired,miserable,instead of enjoying the program i just feel bad for them.When you hear how hard they really work and those contracts of theirs,i really feel for them.There doesn't seem to be any glamour in being a k-pop idol.Just bright lights and a few perks.
The fact that Jjong got shamed so badly for having a romantic partner at one point...idk, it feels like it must have been one of hundreds of things that factored into his suicide. Terrible.
it's insane how much younger the kpop idols are getting, there's one that was born in 2002...
Yeah I think u mean Jisung from NCT
+Raven Robinson and i think one guy from seventeen
Oh yeah Sameuel from Seventeen
+lil art if you get the mean of the age from kpop groups now vs the kpop groups before, it 's actually the opposite. can give you some numbers if you'd like :)
Samuel isn't part of seventeen.
(Although I think he is in something else)
Yes....nothing is painted in PINK in this world its hard to just give up a dream that u been dreaming for ages even if its hard i would still be happy to have accomplished that dream. ^^ To all the kpop idols GAMSAHABNIDA and FIGHTING!!!!!
I personally would still like to be a kpop star. Yes all the cons are quite a lot and yes you may not have the chance to sleep very much, or have privacy, but what these stars are doing is continuing their dreams, and not only bringing happiness to their fans but themselves as well. Yes, some days it may seem like they would just want to quit, but in the end it all seems worth it. I would still want to be a k-idol because I would be doing what I love most .. Performing and making others happy. Yes life may be tough, but it's all worth it in the end. The sad part is, I actually DO want to be a k-idol, but no one comes to Canada anymore (at least not Ontario). But, if I were given the opportunity, I would definitely take it ^^ this is just my opinion.
I would truthfully love to wake up early and drive to a radio interview, then do a TV appearance, then go to a photo shoot and then finish the day with a concert in front of thousands of fans! and be driven around in a van where you can sleep, talk to your members or listen to music haha. But i know that it would all be exhausting as hell >,
KamikazekaitoKoki lol deadddd
***** YEAH! So bad :/ and can i please just take the time to tell you that .. BABYZ FOREVER haha, no other fandom but the BABY fandom ^-^ B.A.P ♥
What u described is like a fairytale..don't forget that they have dancing,singing lessons (there are even english or other language lessons) every day and if not there are concerts,fan-meetings,variety shows etc. they don't get enough sleep and all this time they need to look perfect like every kpop idol needs to...
i mean,it's sure as hell not easy,that's why i love them and respect that they still do this because they want to
It might sound glamorous, but it will slowly consume you. The pay isn't even that great. The only thing you are gaining in abundance is fame. And fame itself does not appeal to me. If it does to you, then it would be perfect for you.
Edit: Just wanted to add that you also lose the most important things in life. Time with family and friends, downtime, traveling the world, meeting new people interested in you and not your status, and generally just life...
123itstime4tea Yeah I know all that, what I said in my comment sounds super breezy and fun.
I don't say that I would truthfully love to loose contact with my family, friends and work that hard for a pay that's not worth it. Nor would I want to hardly sleep and have restrictions on most of my personal life. I think people are misinterpreting my comment a little. I' not oblivious to what Kpop idols go through, I'm only stating the part I would enjoy is all >,
3:41 "It looks all cute and endearing when everyone's all snuggled up. But really, that sucks to sleep on floors!"
*remembers BTS* oh
He is only 19. I can understand that being an idol was maybe too much and he wanted to live his life freely. I do respect Kpop idols though. They work really hard.
im sad hes leaving but i hope he is able to lead the life he wishes, i really hope he isnt pressured to go back into something he dosent want! best of luck to dongho! AND HOLY JESUS READ THE ARTICLE ON BUSKER BUSKER; NEW FOUND RESPECT!! srsly, its so nice to hear what really happens and no joke they gained another fan/ supporter!
I understand. I will miss Dongho. When I was heartbroken to hear and see how Beast felt about black people. I wanted to find someone else who looked like Yoseob. He was my very first bias EVAR! And so I was really depressed when I heard and saw how he treadted black people, and not being a Christian. One day I was listening to youtube and saw a recommnded video andI watched it. It was Ukiss "Oh mama ha ni!" (or something like that) And I instantly saw Dongho and wanted to know him more. So he was the one who fixed my broken heart and to see him go, its really... depressing me. :'( I wish the best for him...
Beast doesn't like black ppl? I don't listen to that group, but what?
Yeah, I didnt know this but I saw some old videos of them on a variety show, and one of them had pained their face black wearing an afro wig and eating a watermelon. When they came to NYC to perform at a concert, they had a question time with the fans, and my friend who went there told me that they didnt pick not one black person to answer. and other things like the "illuminati" signs... thats the reason why i stopped listening to Beast.
So, they don't like black ppl? Or were they just being ignorant? Have they said from their mouths that they don't like black ppl?
I've heard that yoseob wont date people with an arican descent. and actions speak louder than words.
sailorcaramel That was just Gikwang. There's always going to be some level of prejudice in SK, but what Gikwang had to say about the blackface was that the producers and hosts of the show told him he had to do it, so instead of being a rational adult like he should be and refusing to do something like that, he did it with no protest. I really look down on Gikwang whether his intentions were really racially motivated or not, he is either racist, or an idiot who can't see when something is wrong. It's unfortunate that it is reflecting on the other members of Beast, even though Yoseop prefers to date within his race, I don't think that qualifies him as a racist.
Response to their question:
I still want to be a Kpop star although I know all the cons of being an idol. I might sound crazy to some people that read this but here are my reasons:
1. I have always liked singing, dancing and acting, they really appealed to me when I was younger, and still do.
2. Because I want a singing/dancing/acting career, I know I can either do it in America(where I live), it in a place I want to go.
2.5 ( cont. from #2) I've auditioned for some things and sometimes I don't always get the same treatment as other Americans( no hate!!!, I have a lot of American friends) but sometimes when/if I win, the other auditioners make comments like, " can't that Asian just go back to where she came from she doesn't belong here. I really hate going through that and I'm really sure it would be a different situation if I was in a different country.
3. Being able to perform is awesome, just thinking about it. I know I probably wouldn't last, but I get so excited before I perform, usually I can't sleep(I'm wierd)
Thanks for anyone who read this :)
Sorry for taking ur time, I just really wanted to share how much I would like to be a Kpop star.
Yeah me too
I feel you 😊
I admit that I like J-idols more than K-idols. But still, be it Japanese or Korean, I respect them all as humans. They still needed to be treated humanely, get paid, have off-days, be given breaks and privacy, be allowed to be in relationships and let the fans have understanding and respect to them, just among other things.
If I were to be a CEO of an idol agency, I'd do all these that I mentioned, that I let them have romances, let them have working days off or let them have a few concerts in a week where in some days of the week it'll be their rest/free day, let the fans understand they're all still humans that deserves freedom and rights, teach the fans to respect them and not be possessive, obsessive and delusional over them. Most importantly, never treat them as slaves; sure they got to work hard, but they need to have breaks, be fair and give them payment. Overall, a hard-working yet happy and comfortable working environment with fairness; that should be the main policy.
I really, really liked that you guys talked about them living together, because, as someone who enjoys her alone time, I cannot even imagine what these idols must deal with sometimes. It always bothers me when people are like, 'oh he/she looks cranky' or 'they're so quiet all the time.' Probably because they're running on nothing and had an argument with a fellow member and don't really feel like being happy all the time.
i honestly would still want to be a kpop idol because the music that they make makes me happy when i hear it and when i hear my favorite idol or idol group has new stuff coming out i get excited and i can't wait to hear what they have this time and mainly i tend to stress and worry about tons of stuff that i don't need to worry about at all and listening to kpop makes me happy and makes me forget about my stresses and what not and especially when i'm sad (like i just had a huge fight with a friend or sibling or my parents or my grades went down and my parents scolded me [my parents' approval means a lot to me] or i was publicly embarrassed in some way) and i listen to kpop or watch an mv it makes me forget about my troubles and it really relaxes me. it's always been my goal to become a singer and and make music that makes people feel the way i do when i listen to music in other words i wanna make music that makes people happy and helps them forget their troubles and worries for awhile. even with all the restrictions and rules and general exhaustion that comes with being a kpop idol i would still willingly jump headfirst into it to accomplish my goal
what's driving me? the fact that my passion overshadows all the cons. kpop literally saved my life. this DREAM saved my life, if not i would have killed myself already. how? because i want to be an idol, i cant cut because i dont want to have scars when i go in front of other people. because i had a dream that i met a whole bunch of idols, and hugged my angel Dongwoo, i started hugging people around me alot, making me, and the people around me much happier because hugging has positive effects. singing improves your posture and mood. dancing makes you stronger. even if you get hate, you cant break down in public. youre forced to hold it in, making you stronger inside. youre forced to love your fans, making you a nicer person. people look up to you, you can save lives with your lyrics. you'll literally be their hero.
i'm already freaking thin, i dont eat all day on purpose, so diet wont bother me. i do get hungry, but i dont care. work hours, i go to dance classes on purpose and go so hardcore, just recently i almost fainted after only 25 minutes because i gave it my all. why? because i want to be the best. dating life? i do want to have a boyfriend, but would i really if it means my partner getting hate? if it means theyll have to cry and apologise because i love them? i dont mind eating and sleeping in a van, or on the floor. because the pro overshadow all these. i get to do 2 of my favourite things at once, sing and dance. i can write my own songs, share my story with the world, motivate others like how idols like B.A.P and BTS motivate me. i dont know if youre trying to pull us dreamers down, or youre just stating your opinion, but theres no way im stopping now. and i know it seems like im just punishing myself by not eating or overworking myself but im used to it anyway. and im willing to break my entire body working that hard, even i die, because i would have died in an honourable way. i would have fans, people will love me. and love is life. if you think signing that contract=giving up your life, maybe thats true, but you get life back because love=life.
whatever it is, im chasing this dream. watch me, i'll show you, i promise.
so...you reached your dream yet?
I remember Taemin (SHINee) saying in an interview years ago that when you plan on pursuing a career as an idol, you should be ready to sacrifice something for another.... guess Dongho values the other more than his idol career
Can you make a video based on sasaeng fans and have you seen them before? In public
i think it depends on how passionate you are. I mean despite all of these cons, I as a dancer love to dance and would do anything if I got to do that, and getting a 7 year contract saying "you have to dance for us and sing all the time" would be a dream come true because i get to do what I love every second of my life. I've even got myself into an exchange program to go to Korea and be able to audition for some of these companies despite all their crazyness. If you have a passion you should follow it, and thats what I plan to do.
P.S. Love your vids :)
i'm not talented in singing nor dancing, but if i were, i'd give it a try at an audition. because dancing, singing and Korea are 3 things i like the most in my life and giving up without trying is silly when u want to fulfill your dreams. so whoever is up to that i cheer for u and hope it will make u happy.
Kinda sounds like the lifestyle of a doctor in the States, especially surgeons (12 hour surgeries bleaargh). Currently entrenched in medical school and I feeeeeeeeel the pain. /weeps
Tempted to choose being a Kpop idol--a 7-year contract almost sounds good at this point, since for medicine it's 4 years of med school + anywhere from 3-7 years of residency (aka indentured servitude) afterwards.
Because residency docs don't get the glam and the babes?
***** the context is the same though. You know to make something relevant you don't need to have two same thing....
Lol, surgeons and other med professionals have it quite easy compared to, let's say, investment bankers. I know because I have friends/family in both fields. Not to marginalize your workload or anything. The main point I'm trying to make is that it's all relative. To me, med school sounds much better than K-pop life. Haha..
corrobboree I don't think they're comparable at all. Some of these kids forego school on faith alone because debuting and being successful is not guaranteed (and rare imo). So theres a good number of kids that will not debut/flop without education or work experience in an academically competitive country. Even if they do debut, they might flop, and owe money to their companies. So most of these kids are fucked if they don't become successful and don't come from well off families.
Once you graduate you're fairly set, yeah it might take you a while to pay off debt, but once you do, you'll be making good money. A med student has a clear cut path, no strings attached (aka no slave contracts), an idol is relying on faith. Working your ass off as a med student will pay off, for them, they could work 15 hour days for ten years and never see payoff. So no, its not comparable.
I actually just feel bad for them, that kind of life just sounds sad to me. How could you ever just be yourself when you're trying to fit these molds of what fans want you to be all the time?
If Dongho started working at Eat Your Kimchi ... Everything would explode from wonderfulness O_O
I have wanted to be a kpop idol for years now, and even as I hear about the conditions and such of the idol lifestyle, I still want to. I went through a rough time in my life, and music was always the only thing that I could turn to. At the worst point in my life, I found kpop. I had quit dancing, I had stopped singing and I was just having a really horrible time. Kpop made me remember that there ARE things fun in life. It got me back into dancing which helped me lose weight be healthier. The more I listened to kpop, the more I danced, the more I got fully back into singing, I became happy. I can't, to this day, think of a time before kpop that I was actually genuinely happy. The music actually helped me. I have been around music my whole life, and I know how important it is to have music. Since kpop helped me through the worst time in my life, I really want to make music and perform for people, and I hope that maybe, even if it's just one person, that I can help someone realize that there's something happy in life. I have met such amazing people through kpop, and I can't imagine where I would be right now if I hadn't found the thing that finally made me happy. I can't picture myself doing anything different. I love singing. I love dancing. I love performing. I love making people happy. It's hard being in the US and trying to do this, but if all goes as planned, I will be in SK by the end of this year. I can almost fully understand Korean, and I can speak a good amount. No matter what I hear about kpop and being an idol that may be negative, it won't ever change the fact that I seriously can't imagine my life a different way and I really want to make people happy and hopefully help at least one person to smile, just as kpop helped me. I've never been happier in my life and I hope, someday, someone will smile and be happy listening to me or watching me on stage.
It's not just being a kpop idol but being a public figure in korea is fucking hard, your image is EVERYTHING there, hell even dating someone publicly is considered an "scandal" like wtf? and don't make me start with their almost unattainable beauty standars ugh
We all know it's hard to be a Kpop idol. It's deadly hard to be on stage or on schedule 24/7 but... I'm still wanting to do it. I want to sing, I want to entertain the people. It's not about the money or the fame... It's about how music and especialy Kpop helped me... It sounds weird but if it wasn't for Kpop I wasn't going to be the same person right now. And even though it's hard, even though I have approximately no chanse I'll keep trying.
when you said living together I literally just hfgjdytvj....
I have lived with 8 other people who I didn't know very well but now are friends with. Well everyone in that entire dorm we lived in got frigging scold because of 2 people SCREETCHING there lungs out. And the beds are made of polyester which is absolutely impossible to sleep on, plus our dorm was right next to another (10 people, we're all boys tho) and during those days we spend together, some of us:
almost died by almost falling of a cliff because of wet weather and NO safety rules
didn't even drink any water
got attacked by blood thirsty leeches and ticks
showered together
work in rain
over exhausted / worked ourselves
and more...
I managed to lose 4kg in 3 days
BUT.... our training days are almost finish and we graduate in 2 weeks starting tomorrow
Yeeeeeeeeeessssss!!!!!
I wouldn't want to enter the k-pop world because of all of those reasons and because I wouldn't be able to give my honest opinion on things. I'd have to sugarcoat things and lie to promote a "nice and gentle" image. There is nothing nice and gentle about life (except teddy bears and nemunekos). I've heard too many idols say, "We don't like when you invade our privacy. Please stop. We understand you love us and we will always-" NO. Blatantly say, "Stop it. You put people in danger and you won't get our attention. We will get the police involved."
I also hate hearing, "We promise to keep giving you this good image and please listen to our album a lot and our good image is good and we are good so be good." Almost. Every. Group. Has said that. At one point or another, they have said that. Why not say something like, "In this new album we wanted to touch into this different theme. We got inspired by this thing/person we feel more people should know about." Stop repeating those over-rehearsed lines.
To be honest, I would still be a k-pop idol. I want to make people happy though music. I know I'll have to work very long hours as well as other things, but I'm willing to go through it if that means I can accomplish my dreams and make someone smile.
I sort of had an idea of what these idols go through. But I didn't know all the stuff they deal with. This is one of the reasons why I respect them so much, because they go through this to perform for their fans and also for other reasons (like because they like singing, dancing, etc)
No I would never be a kpop idol.Sure I love music,singing and especially dancing but for me freedom is a number one priority I want to do what I want I don't like to be controlled by people so much.
I would start a KPOP-like music company, but without the rules of not being as harsh and let the performers to do whatever they want.
Are you interested someday?
The reason I would want To be a Kpop Idol is because You can actually grab a chance of "fame" Someone would see you singing on video. Me ,personally ,I love music and how it sounds I love to sings and the only chance to get heard is Korea.
I think a lot of people have to throw away their 'comfort' to pursue their dream but all the negatives in this video are so exaggerated.
"Fortune and fame".. The thing is there's no fortune lol just fame
One of my friends who's previously worked in the Kpop industry explained to me the salaries (or fortune) of Kpop stars. It's a pretty structured system that's very different from how artists make money in the States. While it has its benefits, it's definitely not something I envy.
If u could tell me just briefly how it works, I'd appreciate it 😊
It’s kind of long, sorry =(
You nailed “no fortune, just fame” idea down. In my opinion, the way this industry is crafted doesn’t encourage or even allow for Idols to access their creative potential. In fact, I have a hard time considering K-pop Idols as artists. I view them as products because of how much control their company has on their work and lives in general. Sure, there are those token artists who actually write their own music, but for the most part, Idols are money-machines for their companies.
I’m not going to explain it all here. For more solid figures on Idols’ salaries (which isn’t much), you can just google it. This particular link takes you to an article that tries to remain unbiased. IMO, the best part is the comments; they are written by people who know quite a bit about the industry, as well as the opinions of those who’ve lived in Korea.
beyondhallyu.com/k-pop/k-pop-slave-contracts-a-closer-look/
I would still want to be a kpop idol. Like boa said when asked if she felt like she was missing out on her childhood when she was a lot younger, "You only get to be an idol once in your life, not everybody gets to be one" it's an opportunity and a rare privilege to be loved by so many, be recognized for your talents and to have people love what you love to do which is to sing and dance.
You know... I had that dream once, to become a Kpop singer, but after re-search and news here and there, I figured that I shouldn't participation in a Global competition which could make me an Kpop Idol in Korea, because I'm not sure i could handle the pressure. I support these idols to the max for staying so strong! FIGHTING!