As K-pop's popularity soars, South Korea has become a destination for young people around the world hoping to break into the industry. Many enroll in programs promising a path to stardom, but reality often clashes with expectations.
One such hopeful is Miyu, who traveled to South Korea in 2024, drawn by her dreams of becoming an idol. After paying a hefty sum for a six-month program at a K-pop training academy, she found herself disheartened by the lack of promised opportunities. There were supposed to be weekly auditions, but that never happened, she explained, sharing profound sadness through tears.
Allegations of a toxic and unsafe environment have come to light, with Miyu and other trainees reporting harassment from staff members alongside their grievances about insufficient training. In response, the academy has denied the allegations, claiming that audition opportunities do exist and maintaining that they have trained many individuals since their inception.
Others, like Elin, joined the program only to face similar experiences, recounting episodes of harassment and inappropriate behavior that left them feeling vulnerable and traumatized. With fluctuating enrollment numbers in the program, experts suggest that the K-pop industry may be creaking under its own weight, leading some prospective idols to reconsider their dreams of fame.
As these athletes navigate the competitive, high-stakes world of K-pop, they hope for a safer environment for future generations. Despite her harrowing experience, Miyu still clings to her ambitions, expressing determination to pursue her idol dreams, despite the challenges she faced.
