The K-pop phenomenon has demonstrated the overwhelming power of fandoms, capable of lifting careers, supporting artists and influencing the global music market.
It is an extraordinary force that also has dark sides that need to be urgently addressed.
Idols, and K-artists in general, like all of us, have the right to live their private lives and make their own choices without fear of devastating career consequences or disappointing those who admire them.
The obsession of some fans with wanting to control every aspect of their favorites’ lives creates a distorted reality in which idols risk becoming prisoners of their own image.
Artists not only have to deal with the pressure involved in being a celebrity, but also live with the fear of not being able to express themselves without risking heavy criticism or worse consequences.
Of particular concern is the undue influence of toxic fans on agencies, which often bend to their will instead of protecting artists.
Instead of protecting the welfare of idols, agencies end up going with the flow of criticism, for fear of eroding a group’s popularity or suffering financial losses. Doing so fuels a vicious cycle in which idols find themselves under constant pressure and unable to live freely.
This lack of institutional protection not only puts artists’ mental health at risk, but also makes the K-pop industry even more vulnerable to toxic behavior, often forcing idols to make drastic decisions, such as leaving the group or even abandoning their careers.
In a recent live streaming, The Rose’s Woosung shared some thoughts on fans’ toxic behavior and the unrealistic expectations they have of idols.
He pointed out that it is normal to admire an idol for their art or even simply for their appearance, but that this should not result in an idealized view and expectation of perfection.
Artists, the singer explained, are not superheroes exempt from common mistakes, and for him, maintaining a boundary between public and private is crucial.
Don’t expect us to conform to your idea of what is right, because it doesn’t work that way. We are autonomous people: I have my view of what is right, just as you have yours. I do not ask you to think as I do, and likewise, you should not expect me to think as you do. That’s all. – Woosung
Hey South Korea, Woosung has something to say. Not just to you, to all toxic fans, but it's a little extra for you. Yoongi. Jessi. Seunghan.
— kojfie🥢┃Suga lump┃free Palestine 🍉 (@kojfie) October 25, 2024
Something is fundamentally wrong and everyone can see it. pic.twitter.com/lm0mN76AXr
Woosung’s speech also brought to light the issue of “divine” expectations that many fans have of idols.
Recent events, such as the case of BTS ‘s Suga (we discussed it here) and the scooter incident or Riize ‘s Seunghan ‘s (forced) decision (here) to leave the group following criticism, show how some fans take intolerant attitudes toward personal choices or common incidents.
I already know that BLACKROSE knows this; that’s why you love our music, right? That’s what it’s all about: self-reflection and healing from past traumas.
For new fans, maybe you are here because you find Jeff handsome. Well, Jeff is indeed handsome, so yes, keep appreciating him! Jeff is handsome now, yesterday, tomorrow — and 30 years from now he will still be handsome. If you enjoy watching him play bass because he is handsome, that’s perfectly fine; there is room for that kind of love as well. But don’t expect him, or any of us, to be perfect or error-free – Woosung
Woosung reiterated that an artist has the right to make mistakes, learn and grow, without being burdened by fans’ expectations; true connection with the music and the artist should be based on understanding and respect.
Another important message that the lead singer of The Roses shared was aimed at those who decide to leave fandom:
If you no longer like the way I sing or no longer feel connected, that’s fine. I will move on, and so will you – Woosung
This concept highlights how interest in an artist should be spontaneous, not based on some sort of emotional possession or dependence.
And if you suddenly think, ‘Oh, Jeff is not charming anymore, I don’t like him anymore,’ okay, or maybe ‘I don’t like Woosung’s voice anymore,’ okay, go beyond that. I will also go beyond that. Because you love your life more than this thing can hurt you or bring you down. Going to a concert is not about me, it is about you: you are there to have fun. Come to a concert to feel something through the music we share, enjoy the moment, learn and experience new things – Woosung
Woosung’s words have been highly appreciated, quickly going viral on social media, with many supporters praising his openness and courage in addressing such a sensitive issue. The artist’s words initiated an important debate on the need for a healthier and more respectful relationship between fans and idols.
It becomes unhealthy when you think you know them too well, that you own them, or that they have to do certain things for you. But we are talking about human beings here, right? Just as you are human and make mistakes, I am also human and I make and will make mistakes. Celebrities and artists are people like you; they go through the same experiences and are no better or worse than anyone. We are all learning along the way, so it is toxic to idealize them as something superior — they are not superior, and neither are you! – Woosung
Along the same lines is the long post by SEVENTEEN ‘s Seungkwan on his IG profile, the full translation of which in Italian language can be found here.
[…] I want to make it clear that we are not people who have had a smooth and easy career that we can be easily judged by you. We are people who have been hurt, broken, but somehow got through it all, and we are working hard to show the best side of ourselves to our fans on stage. I hope people don’t take idols for granted. We don’t deserve to be so easily crammed into one narrative, not only for us, but also for other artists. WE ARE NOT YOUR OBJECTS. I hope you don’t think you can use and enjoy us as you please. I wish we could all, myself for one, be a little warmer. If we could look at each other, support each other and love each other warmly, things might be a little better. I hate to see someone break down and finally let go. My sincere wish is that we can stop causing hurt, hurting people that we cannot take responsibility for. […] –
In my opinion, change must start from the artists themselves, who should not hesitate to set boundaries and defend their autonomy.
We, as viewers and advocates, have a responsibility to recognize these boundaries and remember that if we really care about these people, we must first respect their humanity.
