While the music business as a whole has been in decline, K-pop has thrived. The phenomenon is estimated to be worth $5 billion each year, and it is the world’s sixth most popular music genre. The viewership for “Hallyu,” or Korean pop culture, is expected to surpass 100 million this year, approximately double the population of South Korea, according to estimates.
The industry has risen in popularity and profitability in North America, and American pop stars and their labels have taken notice: Lizzo and Lil Nas X collaborated with K-pop celebrities in 2019 for remixes of their songs “Truth Hurts” and “Old Town Road.” BTS, probably South Korea’s most renowned boy band, has worked with Halsey and the Chainsmokers.
As the business strives to become dominant on the global stage, K-pop singers have been subjected to increased criticism and scrutiny. The public, as well as the industry, expects them to present a polished public image.
Despite the fact that the vast majority of K-pop musicians have impeccable reputations, the pressures of performance and image upkeep can be overwhelming. In recent years, the genre has seen a number of suicides, and controversies occur on a regular basis.
If the spotlight shines on K-pop musicians, they are never far from the industry’s dark underbelly. Here are the most horrific K-pop occurrences of the last few years, ranging from corruption and sexual violence to alleged drug trafficking.
1. IU performed a song about a beloved character from a children’s book who was described as a ‘sexual object.’
After allegedly sexualizing the main character in “My Sweet Orange Tree,” a Brazilian children’s book that is especially beloved in South Korea, superstar singer IU was chastised. The story is set in Rio de Janeiro and follows Zezé, a little boy.
In a song, IU wrote about the boy: “Zeze, hurry up the tree and kiss the leaves; don’t be naughty and don’t harm the tree; hurry up the tree and pick the youngest leaf… You’re innocent but cunning, transparent but filthy, and no one knows what’s inside.”
2. Kwangjin, one of N.Flying’s most popular members, was accused of behaving inappropriately with fans.
After being accused of acting lewdly with buffs, Kwangjin, a founding member of the popular band N.Flying, voluntarily departed the band in 2018.
The initial claims that surfaced on the internet were that he had committed sexual misbehavior. FNC, N.Flying’s record label, claimed it had met with the people who had made the allegations against Kwangjin.
“Aspects of the reports, such as Kwangjin’s dating troubles with fans, sexual harassment allegations, and more, are false,” FNC said in a statement.