Tomorrow X Collectively. Picture: BigHit Music through The Korea Herald
Ok-pop idols are extra than simply entertainers; they’re cultural icons, typically seen because the embodiment of South Korean values and pleasure. This distinctive position topics them to intense scrutiny, with each motion and phrase intently watched by followers and the general public.
Incidents involving common Ok-pop singers Yeonjun of Tomorrow X Collectively and Felix of Stray Children on Korea’s Nationwide Liberation Day on Thursday illustrate these excessive expectations.
Yeonjun confronted criticism after he posted pictures on Instagram taken in Japan on Nationwide Liberation Day, a day that commemorates the liberation of the Korean Peninsula from Japanese colonial rule on Aug. 15, 1945. Many felt it was inappropriate to share pictures associated to Japan on such an vital day, resulting in a swift backlash.
“I deeply apologize for my careless motion on the day with such historic significance. I’ll mirror on my lack of knowledge and be extra cautious sooner or later,” Yeonjun apologized on the worldwide fan platform Weverse on Friday.
Felix of Stray Children additionally discovered himself in scorching water after he talked about a Japanese anime problem for a short-form video whereas interacting with followers on Bubble, a fan app, on the identical day. Given the day’s historic weight, followers expressed disappointment over what they noticed as an absence of sensitivity. Felix shortly issued an apology by company JYP Leisure on Friday, expressing deep remorse for his actions and acknowledging his lack of knowledge.
Felix of Stray Children. Picture: JYP Leisure through The Korea Herald
The scrutiny that Ok-pop idols face is rooted within the vital position they play in South Korean society. In contrast to celebrities in North America or Europe, who could take pleasure in better leeway of their private and public lives, Ok-pop idols are anticipated to be position fashions, upholding their skilled picture whereas cultivating a robust sense of respect. That is significantly vital in Korea, the place the leisure trade is intently tied to nationwide id.
Social media has amplified these pressures too.
Social media platforms like X and Instagram present direct connections between Ok-pop idols and their enormous fan communities, however additionally they imply that any misstep could be immediately shared and dissected by tens of millions. Even well-intentioned feedback could be taken out of context, resulting in public backlash.
Music critic Kim Do-heon, whereas acknowledging the excessive expectations positioned on Ok-pop singers, argues that the blame doesn’t relaxation solely on the idols.
“As celebrities, it’s one thing that they should deal with to some extent. In any case, it’s true that they’re held to greater moral requirements and typically they face criticisms that they deserve,” Kim stated on Friday. “Nevertheless, one would possibly query whether or not it’s moral to excessively criticize a person for his or her errors. If we delve deeper, we discover that the basis of the problem lies within the distinctive place, actions, and energy dynamics throughout the world of Ok-pop.”
“It might be a limitation of Ok-pop,” he continued, including that Ok-pop stars are underneath constraints from varied instructions. “Idols aren’t creators and they’re informed what to say and act in public by their companies. That is why Western media typically describe Ok-pop singers as ‘manufactured’ by leisure corporations.”