Incident #2
China-Korea Conflict.
This incident has been influenced by Incident #1. After Chinese members of popular K-pop boy group EXO, (Tao, Luhan, Kris) left SM Entertainment (due to “slave contracts”) and were banned from appearing under non-Chinese entertainment companies, many Korean fans were outraged and extremely disappointed. The series of events in which idols were banned from appearing on shows/movies in certain countries really cause misery for many K-drama and K-pop fans. Eventually (hopefully), both entertainment industries can look from each others’ perspectives and unite in cause for better shows and movies for all audiences.
The Covert Side of the Korean Entertainment Industry:
Scandals and Controversies
by Katie Chen, Rita Jin
Incident #1
“Slave Contracts.”
This is definitely one of the biggest K-pop scandals to ever make it into the news. The concept of “slave contracts” has negatively impacted the K-Pop entertainment industry — in particular one company called SM Entertainment, which has gone through multiple issues regarding these contracts. K-pop idols sign a contract in order to work under a label or entertainment company. Most of these contracts are fair, but then there are the so-called “slave contracts.” These often cause unfair earning distribution. Many idols are cheated of their money by the companies and are “thrown away” like garbage by the time their contracts end, which is usually when the idol’s popularity declines. These sad occurrences, however, are lessening due to the attention the “slave contracts” have recently gained.
Incident #3
The Issue of Plagiarism.
Many groups go through a phase in which a newly-released album, song, or music video causes fans from other groups to pick over the details and cause disturbances. A recent controversy regarding boy groups BTS and BigBang is once again an example of this. BTS was blamed for plagiarizing BigBang member TOP’s performance on 6th GAON Chart Kpop Awards, one of many Korean music award shows. Fans pointed out many similarities between both performances and demanded an apology from BigHit Entertainment, BTS’s label. Fortunately, it was later revealed that the stage had been set up by the event producers from the award show, not by individuals from the entertainment company. Therefore, it was concluded that plagiarism was not intended and the matter was resolved. However, many controversies concerning plagiarism between groups happen constantly and show no sign of stopping.
These three events show how idols actually have many things to fret about. Surely the best thing fans can do for them is to stick with them through anything!
Hwaiting!
The most famous attraction of South Korea, the entertainment industry, is known for all the talented singers, actors, and dancers who have what most people would consider glamorous lifestyles. However, further investigation can expose several incidents that quickly prove that this mentality is often incorrect.