On February 10th, a resurfaced report from a North Korean media outlet garnered attention among Korean netizens. The report criticized the treatment of South Korean idol groups such as BTS and BLACKPINK.
Originally published by North Korean media Arirang Meahri in 2021, the report alleged that BTS and BLACKPINK are treated akin to “slaves” by their management companies in South Korea. It further asserted that these K-pop groups endure exploitation and mistreatment, presenting a skewed portrayal of the reality experienced by the globally renowned artists.
“Many teenage singers, including BTS and BLACKPINK, are being trained to become pop singers at a young age from elementary and middle school by signing exclusive contracts with SM Entertainment and other big corporates.”
The report also alleged that the companies compel idol singers to undergo rigorous training by isolating them from the outside world, allowing them only two to three hours of sleep per night, and confiscating most of their earnings to cover training expenses.
“As a result of the harsh training process, where they are subjected to severe humiliation and suffering, they are basically like living in a prison without bars. In the case of young female singers, they are forced to perform for politicians and businessmen so many of them have committed suicide, leaving suicide notes that they no longer want to live.”
Korean netizens have reacted with disbelief to North Korea’s assertions regarding idol groups like BTS and BLACKPINK. Some of the comments include:
What kind of slave earns hundreds and billions of dollars?”
“Don’t ‘slave artists’ only exist in North Korea?”
“Well, if they are the slaves, I want to be a slave to lmao”
“The impact and influence of K-pop must be great if they now have to fabricate lies for their propaganda.”
“I think the combined wealth of BTS and BLACKPINK may be greater than the whole GDP of North Korea.”
“BTS and BLACKPINK must be also well known in North Korea lol”
“Can I also be a slave who earns billions of dollars?”