The sad side of k-pop

Last autumn, the world of k-pop lost two idols: f(x)’s Sulli (25 y.o.), and her friend, Kara’s Goo Hara (25 y.o.). Before they both committed suicide, they had been subjected to cyberbulling. In the winter 2017, the death of Kim Jong-hyun (27 y.o.), the member of famous group Shinee, made the world of k-pop hake. He was in state of depression, which resulted in suicide.

Kim Jong-hyun

Some k-pop idols have indicated that the uncertainty and pressures of their jobs as entertainers may pose a threat to their mental health. As stated by Park Kyung, a member of Block B: “There are many people who debuted with no sense of self yet, and they come to realize later that every move and every word they say is being observed, so they become cautious and lose their freedom”. K-pop idols are supposed to behave irreproachably. Their every move, every word they say in front of the cameras and their posts on social media are carefully planned. Their bodies have to look healthy and perfect. “Some female idols have been ostracised for not smiling in a television show and reading a book about feminism that contradicts male-dominated, patriarchal South Korean society,” as has been said by Park Hee-a, a k-pop journalist.

The country (South Korea) has one of the world’s highest rates of suicide, which is among the leading causes of death among people under 40. Taboos about mental illness prevent many people from seeking help. K-pop stars, like millions of other South Koreans, are discouraged from seeking help for depression, which is still viewed as a failure of moral character. “The blame lies with South Korean society in general,” said Ryu. “Many people with mental health issues are reluctant to take medication for fear of being seen as weak-minded. Mental health problems should be treated in the same way as a common cold. South Korean society needs to catch up.”

As it can be seen, the Korean society should get rid of the elephant in the room.

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