NOT YOUR STANDARD KPOP IDOLS, IDOLS WHO AGAINST THE NORM

KPOP IDOLS should be perfect, they're the epitome of the "ideal super human" that many human adore. They need to excel in every skill that can possess and still have humble personality and perfect figure, both face and body. For many young Koreans, being a K-pop idols is a desirable career choice and there are many academies like this one . Who wouldn’t want to be a part of this pop behemoth that has become South Korea’s best-known cultural export? It’s an industry worth $5bn; BTS alone sold more albums than Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande last year. But something is very wrong inside K-pop, and it points to a deeper malaise throughout South Korea. Many of Kpop fans are thinking their idols are innocent snowflakes.But you need to accept that they're actually human too who isn't perfect and makes mistakes.

In March 2019, several male K-pop stars, including Seungri, a member of boyband Big Bang, Choi Jong-hoon, a former member of FT Island, and singer-songwriter Jung Joon-young were implicated in a spycam sexual abuse scandal, after Jung shared videos of women in a group chat. The case resulted in five- and six-year prison sentences for them respectively for their roles in gang raping drunk, unconscious women. Allegations also arose over Seungri’s ties to Burning Sun, a nightclub he founded where date-rape and sexual assault allegedly took place.

For most South Koreans, success means having the right “specs” or specifications: everyone is judged in terms of their family background, level of education, job title, wealth and appearance. “If you went to a great school, or you have a nice body that you worked hard to cultivate, or if you have an expensive foreign car – these are all different forms of specs,” says Michael Hurt, a sociologist at the University of Seoul.

So no wonder that Korean people expect ther idols so high, to represent their culture. "K-pop artists are called 'idols' in Korea... [beings] that must be ideal, perfect people and performers at all times even in their personal lives," said K-pop columnist Jeff Benjamin. Yet all this "fake" things might not be the case for these few idols. They're unique and want to stand out. Here are several Kpop idols who have shown their colors despite all the controversy and hate they received:

1. HYUNA AND DAWN

Who doesn't know them (for kpop fans)? They're the iconic duo who actually sell their relationship out loud to the public. Despite having a relationship is a taboo for some idols, this couple can show their intimate relationship without even bother anyone. During 2017 and 2018, HyunA and Dawn had formed a co-ed unit group named Triple H with another Pentagon member Hui. HyunA and Dawn made headlines when they revealed they were dating for four years. Now, the loving couple welcomes the fifth year in their love story. When their scandal (relationship) is released to public, just like any other Kpop idols, and Hyuna agency try to deny it, but the idols herself, Hyuna confirmed in a post on Instagram, telling her followers she "wanted to stay honest". Most k-pop idols don't date because it can distract them from their stardome. Like Jennie (Blackpink) and Kai (EXO). Unfortunately, Singer HyunA and E'dawn of the boy band Pentagon have been kicked out of Cube Entertainment after a dating scandal soured their relationships with the company to the point of “no turning back.”. As Hyuna is one of Cube entertainment money maker, they decide to resign Hyuna's contract, but Hyuna take revenge and decline the offer. Now, the duo do what they want to do while showing their relationship to the world.

2. SULLI

She used to be "THE PERFECT IDOLS" under SM entertainment, the face of her group, fx. The actress-singer rose to prominence as a member of girl band f(x). But she came to be known for speaking out on mental health issues, cyberbullying and women's rights - issues that remain sensitive in a conservative society like South Korea. Her “controversies” included wearing shirts without a bra, getting drunk on social media, calling older male actors by their first names and openly supporting South Korea’s recently revised abortion law. Being a Kpop idols is belonged to a culture where celebrities are generally expected to be respectful and reserved. Among many things, that means showing deference to elders, not talking about politics and being extra discreet about sex and sexuality especially if you’re a woman. After five years with f(x), Sulli took a break from her group in the midst of the group's promotions for 2014 album Red Light, citing both mental and physical fatigue from continuous comments and rumors that followed her. Those comments kicked into overdrive in those months over whispers the young star was dating Choiza, the Dynamic Duo rapper 14 years her senior, when any type of dating is frowned upon by fans in the K-pop world.

Sulli was known for not holding herself back. Even after her “no-bra scandal” incited public anger, inviting unimaginably crude insults and online trolling about her and her family, she seemed invincible. The then-22-year-old seemed cool and proud, laughing at the haters in a now-deleted Instagram post. She continued to post braless pictures. To many of Sulli's critics, even something as innocuous as posting pictures [of herself] with her boyfriend was considered a controversial move.

But she continued speaking out, firm in her conviction that her haters had no right to silence her. "She brazenly spoke out based on her own beliefs. These nonconforming, loud and bold female stars have to risk their entire career to be who they are.

3. JAY PARK and BI ex IKON

Jay Park initially rose to fame as the leader of South Korean boy band 2PM, formed by record label JYP Entertainment in 2008, after having previously been a trainee for four years. In September 2009, Park returned home to Seattle after comments he wrote about Korea being gay in 2005 as a teenager were publicized by the Korean media; Park officially left the group in September 2009. Park returned to South Korea in June 2010 for the filming of Hype Nation,[18] and in July 2010, Park signed a contract with SidusHQ, one of the largest entertainment agencies in South Korea.

Hip Hop Star Jay Park: “Diversity in entertainment is so important because everybody has their own unique story and message they want to get across to the public”. Being an outcast in Korean entertainment industry is very hard. But he manage to still make his name known to public, with all variety he has done in Asia. Jay Park originally founded AOMG in 2013, the leading independent urban label based in Seoul, South Korea. As both an active artist and CEO of AOMG, Park’s goal was to support and develop emerging artists and producers organically. By focusing on their individual artistry first, Park has created an impressive roster filled with undeniable talent. Jay Park’s methods have proven successful, within the first two years, AOMG artists have topped all the mainstream music charts not only in South Korea, but in all Asian regions. ue to his nuanced, multi-cultural understanding and open-mindedness, Jay has garnered respect domestically in Korea and beyond as a global music icon. Jay Park dropped his latest EP in June 2019, “The Road Less Traveled,” which includes features and collaborations with many of his artists signed to H1GHR MUSIC. His previous studio album, “Everything You Wanted,” landed one year immediately after his “WORLDWIDE” album.

It's similar to BI case, after he abruptly kick one sided by his former agency, he decide to turn new and made his own company and become ceo.

4. EXO CHEN

They are both senior idols who is getting married and yet still being an idols, although some of the possessive fans turn their back toward him after the news of his marriage surface. South Korean boy group EXO member Chen has announced that he will be getting married to his non-celebrity girlfriend and that he was expecting a child. Chen, whose real name is Kim Jongdae, posted a handwritten letter to EXO's fancafe, in which he shared the news with fans. In 2019, Chen became the second EXO member to debut solo. With the song Beautiful Goodbye followed by Shall We in November.

5. SUPER JUNIOR HENRY

Super junior Henry after his contract ended with Sm entertainment has become very freely. He often appears in many variety show, make his name known to public. his cheerful personality as well as multi talented in music, is really make him lovable. The ex member of Super junior M, is no longer have a group, but he still survive in Korean entertainment agency with his own struggle.