The dark side of K-pop

 

Jiwoo 

became a K-pop idol when she was 17. Everyone saw her smile and dance, but behind the stage, things were different. She had to follow very strict rules: eat only an apple a day, never date, never say what she really thought. She couldn’t rest, and she always had to look perfect. It was like living in a cage.

At night, she read horrible comments about her online. That’s when she thought about Sulli, a real K-pop idol who dared to be herself. She spoke honestly and didn’t pretend. But people bullied her every day. When she passed away, it was very sad… and it wasn’t the only case.

Jonghyun, from SHINee, 

also suffered for years. He wrote a goodbye letter saying how tired he was. Goo Hara, a friend of Sulli, also passed away after being judged too much. Hwanhee, from UP10TION, fainted on stage from working too much. And Taehyun, from WINNER, talked about how bad his mental health got because of all the pressure.

Jiwoo y Kim understood something: behind the songs and fame, there was pain and silence.

She doesn’t sing anymore, but now she speaks up — for all the idols who stillhave to smile while they’re hurting. on the other side,  even after his passing, Jonghyun’s voice still shines. SHINee continues to honor him in their music and shows. His family created the Shiny Foundation to support young artists’ mental health. Fans and idols remember him every year — reminding us that his story changed the industry forever.

Because even if K-pop shines… it also hides a dark side we all should know.

 

Written by Isabella Morea Cañon, Maria Fernanda Saray, Mariana Garcia Casagua