FFeatureseatures
Unmasking the Paradox: Why K-Pop Idols Are Loved and Criticized at the Same Time
If you're a K-Pop fan, you've likely noticed the wave of idol cancellations that have occurred in 2022 alone. It all began with multiple bullying scandals involving K-Pop idols, but even photos of idols smoking were enough to spark outrage among fans. Compared to earlier idols and celebrities in Korea, modern-day idols are expected to adhere to much stricter values and behavior as public figures. But how did the industry evolve to create idols that are now seen as "moral statues" by Koreans?
It all starts with the entertainment industry and their promotion of idols through albums, photocards, and fanmeets to build a fandom where idols and fans have a parasocial relationship. This media-centric approach promotes arelation parasocial connection that results in false and artificial idol standards. The mediascape and entertainment industry have created a toxic structure between idols and their fans that objectifies idols while simultaneously turning fans into loyal customers for these products.
Fans spend significant amounts of time, money, and effort to view and maintain relationships with their idols. Because of this invaluable support, it's easier to understand why fans set up unattainable standards for their idols. The idols they like are like treasures to them. Once they get into a scandal, the value of their idols goes down. Some people may think that fans who leave after a single scandal are not real, but in fact, this is the reality of the stan culture in Korea, and these are the fans that companies target.