CNN in the U.S. reported the apology from Karina, the leader of the Korean idol group Aespa, and the reaction of the K-pop fandom, pointing out that “extreme loyalty is increasing the pressure on K-pop stars.”
On the 7th (local time), CNN asked the question, “Is love even allowed for K-pop stars?” and then responded, “Some say the answer is still ‘no.’” This is the case of Karina, who even had to write a handwritten apology after reporting on her romantic relationship. mentioned.
Karina, who is in her early twenties, admitted to dating actor Lee Jae-wook (26) on the 27th of last month.
CNN later reported that reactions from fans across Asia were quickly mixed, with “many people showing shock and anger,” and also paid attention to the threatening electronic billboards sent by some fans in front of Espa’s agency SM headquarters.
The billboard said, “Are you not getting enough love from your fans? “Why did you choose to betray your fans?” he reprimanded. “Please apologize directly.” “Otherwise, we will see declining album sales and empty concert seats.”
The media pointed out that “the news that young pop stars and actors have become items around the world is only a brief celebrity headline,” but the situation is different in Korea and Japan.
He continued, “In a culture where fans idolize stars and where record labels like to foster fantasies about easy-to-access unknown celebrities, (dating) can still be taboo.” He also added that most K-pop stars live by strict rules and rarely date publicly to maintain a sense of mystery.
CNN criticized, “Such extreme loyalty means that artists and their agencies are closely intertwined with the needs and desires of fans, increasing the pressure on K-pop stars who are under close scrutiny.”
The British BBC also reported, “This is not an isolated incident, and pop stars in Korea and Japan work in industries notorious for pressure.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.