Beyond The Spotlight: Lived Experiences and Psychological Pressures in the K-Pop Industry

In recent years, many youngsters have developed a strong interest in Korean Pop (K-pop) and aspire to become Korean artists or join the overseas entertainment industry. This research was conducted to raise awareness among the younger generation that success in the K-pop industry is not an easy path to achieve. While many admire the fame, popularity, and glamorous lifestyles portrayed online, most fans remain unaware of the reality behind the smiles and public image. K-pop, which began in the early 1990s with groups like SoBangCha (소방차), has now gained global recognition. Despite its success, the industry often places extreme physical and mental pressure on idols. Strict diets, exploitative long-term contracts (often referred to as “slave contracts”), intense training schedules, mental health struggles, and dangerous fan culture, such as sasaeng behaviour, are common issues faced by artists. These pressures are often linked to the need to maintain a flawless public image, which is cultivated through rigorous training, fan expectations, and intense competition within the industry. This qualitative research concludes that although many harmful practices still exist, gradual changes are beginning to occur. Increased fan awareness and social media support have empowered idols to speak up, leading to reduced exploitation and slightly improved working conditions in the industry.