Introduction: Why the Dark Side of Kpop Matters
When people hear the word Kpop, they often imagine glittering stages, addictive choreography, and millions of passionate fans worldwide. But behind the lights and glamour, the dark side of Kpop is a reality many idols quietly endure. Stories of grueling training, harsh diets, and even physical abuse often remain buried—until brave idols speak out.
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Recently, TXT’s Soobin and Taehyun—members of a group under BTS’s label, BigHit Music (a HYBE subsidiary)—brought this issue into the spotlight by revealing troubling truths about their trainee years. Their honesty shocked fans and once again raised questions about what really happens behind closed doors in the Kpop industry.
The Dark Side of Kpop Training Period
The dark side of Kpop is most visible during the training years, when young hopefuls dedicate their teenage lives to becoming idols. TXT’s Soobin and Taehyun admitted in a livestream that they were hit by trainers during practice sessions.
Soobin explained that they were once tasked with learning a difficult Seventeen choreography, but without proper guidance. Instead of teaching them, their instructor simply handed them videos. Naturally, they struggled, and that’s when the abuse happened.
Taehyun recalled being “hit a little less” than others, thanks to senior trainees absorbing much of the punishment. For fans, this revelation was heartbreaking—especially since both idols were only in middle school at the time.
💬 Fans’ Reaction: Many fans flooded social media with anger, calling the treatment “inhumane” and “heartbreaking.” Others praised TXT for breaking the silence, saying, “This is exactly why idols need to speak up—so things change for future generations.”
Strict Diets and Surveillance: Another Dark Side of Kpop
The dark side of Kpop isn’t limited to physical punishment. Many idols have openly admitted to extreme diets and constant surveillance.
- BTS have often shared stories of not being allowed to eat snacks because of strict diets.
- Twice’s Momo once revealed she was told to “eat an ice cube” instead of food to lose weight.
- Stray Kids confessed that cameras monitored trainees inside practice rooms.
Even though idols sometimes joke about these rules, fans know how mentally exhausting such surveillance and restrictions can be.
💬 As a human observer, I personally feel this goes beyond discipline—it edges into control. In our view, creative growth thrives in freedom, not constant fear or food deprivation.
Mental Health: The Darkest Side of Kpop
The dark side of Kpop also extends to the mental health of idols. The industry has faced tragedies with suicides of beloved stars like Jonghyun (SHINee), Sulli (f(x)), Hara (Kara), and Moonbin (Astro).
Idols face extreme pressure to appear “perfect” at all times—no dating scandals, no visible flaws, and no outspokenness. Even minor mistakes, such as BTS’s Suga falling off a scooter, result in public backlash and long apology letters.
💬 Fans’ Voice: Many fans say the industry’s obsession with perfection is outdated. “Idols are human too,” one fan tweeted. “We don’t need them to be flawless—we just need them to be real.”
Are Things Changing in the Kpop Industry?
Interestingly, both Soobin and Taehyun confirmed that the dark side of Kpop has improved in recent years. Physical punishment, they said, is no longer tolerated, and companies could face serious backlash if trainers abused trainees today.
Still, the blueprint remains: long hours, limited freedom, and constant pressure. While successful idols may eventually renegotiate contracts for more independence, countless trainees never debut and are left scarred by the experience.
💬 My Perspective: Change is happening, but too slowly. In my opinion, the global success of Kpop means the industry is now answerable to international audiences who expect higher ethical standards. Fans abroad are less willing to accept toxic practices hidden under “tradition.”
Why Fans Keep Pushing Against the Dark Side of Kpop
Despite improvements, fans continue to demand more transparency. They want idols to have healthier diets, proper rest, and freedom to express themselves without fear of punishment.
Supporters argue that idols should not be treated as products but as artists and human beings. Some fans even credit international Kpop communities for holding labels accountable, spreading awareness of abuse, and amplifying idols’ voices when they speak out.
Conclusion: Facing the Dark Side of Kpop Together
The dark side of Kpop is a conversation the industry can no longer avoid. From TXT’s revelations about physical abuse to stories of mental health struggles, fans now know more than ever about what their favorite idols endure.
In our view, the courage of idols like Soobin and Taehyun proves that the silence is finally breaking. And with fans actively supporting transparency and change, there’s hope for a healthier, more humane future for Kpop.
✨ As fans and observers, it’s our responsibility to keep listening, keep questioning, and keep demanding better—for the idols who give us music, joy, and inspiration.