Industry excludes couples' love
In recent days, the love story of Han So Hee and Ryu Jun Yeol has become a hot topic on social networks. The two actors broke up after only 2 weeks of publicly dating.
Under great pressure from the audience, Han So Hee, Ryu Jun Yeol and even his ex-lover - Hyeri - were attacked and criticized.
Hyeri was forced to post an apology to appease public opinion, while Han So Hee accused her boyfriend of being silent, causing her to be criticized.
The noisy love affair ended in a broken relationship. Their newly blossoming affection is unlikely to stand firm in the "heart" of public criticism.
However, this is not the first time the artist has broken up due to the impact of external factors.
Zico and Seolhyun (AOA) broke up after 6 months because "public pressure was too great". Jennie and Kai go their separate ways after 25 days of public announcement, Kang Daniel and Jihyo, Taeyeon and BaekHyun, Suzy and Lee Dong Wook all face storms and are forced to part ways to reassure fans.
So, after 30 years of formation and development, in 2024, Karian (aespa) still has to apologize for "fulfilling" dating. Karina's apology letter once caused a stir in the media and the audience.
The Korea Times even asked: "Is Karina really got an apology? ".
Karina is not wrong in loving her colleagues, but if she does not apologize, fans will turn her back on her, thereby the group's sales also decreased, damaging her career.
According to Jenna Gibson, a Korean expert at the University of Chicago, the public's reaction to the dating of artists stems from the factors that make up the success of Kpop.
The Kpop industry has been very smart in building a community of dedicated and enthusiastic fans. They can meet their idols regularly, and they are also responsible for promoting and keeping the group's image clean."
When admiration becomes punishment
The paradox is that when interfacing too deeply into the lives and careers of artists, the audience thinks that they have a voice and can control their private lives.
In fact, there have been many artists who have struggled and their images have collapsed just because of being "deceased" about dating news.
Suga (BTS) once frankly talked about the harshness of Korean showbiz: "Everyone will have times of suffering and loneliness, I hope we can create an environment where artists can ask for help, can say tired when they are tired and miss someone when they feel missed."
However, that wish is almost impossible, especially in the context of artists always carrying heavy expectations and pressure on their shoulders.
Jeff Benjamin, a reporter who has written for Billboard and the New York Times, said that Korean artists need to maintain a perfect image, without scratches in public.
Along with that, the audience will closely monitor all the idols' movements through social networks, media, exchange applications, and face-to-face meetings.
CBC newspaper called the fan community's strong reaction a punishment for their idol. When giving too much love and support (both material and spiritual) to artists, fans easily lose control and feel betrayed when facing the dating news of Korean stars.
