Hallyu is a term that is now being widely and rather proudly used by Koreans. Hallyu, also known as the Korean Wave or Korean Fever, has swept the continent at an incredulous rate, and it continues to influence every aspect of pop culture in Asia. Over the last few years, Korea has managed to introduce and popularize Korean music, food, fashion, and many more cultural elements to foreigners. Generally, Koreans consider Hallyu as a movement that has elevated the status of the nation. It is not entirely false. Specifically, with Korean singers hitting the top charts in the overseas music industries, they are bringing in loads of economic benefits back.
It is now a typical routine for “idol groups” to go to Japan after showing potential in the Korean entertainment business. The Giant entertainment companies that manage these idol groups are obsessed more than ever with sending these young singers abroad. These idol groups maintain huge fan bases and are consistently in the spotlight through various media. A scene of Korean pop stars going to different countries to be surprised with hundreds of fans eagerly waiting for them at the airport is no longer a unique sight. To add, they dine at fancy restaurants, wear expensive clothing, regularly visit spas, and own big houses at the wealthiest region of Seoul. Which of those would one not envy? Such luxurious lifestyle lures young talented people into the entertainment industry at a ridiculously fast rate. Unfortunately, the glamour and glitz of Hallyu stars stop there.
With the recent breakup of a popular Korean boy band DBSK, Hallyu is forever tarnished. It was soon revealed that SM Entertainment, one of the most well-known entertainment companies in Korea, had what resembled a slave contract with DBSK. The contract basically allowed for SM’s absorption of the majority of DBSK’s perceived profits ranging from albums, DVD revenue, etc. It’s distressing to get into the details so with the risk of sounding too casual, DBSK has been overworked and underpaid.
DBSK is not alone. Kara, who recently debuted and set the records in Japan as the first foreign group to rank top in the Oricon chart for two weeks, sued their management company for more or less the same reason. Management companies defend their position by playing the Hallyu card. If Hallyu means exploiting the dreams of the young and their talent, and if it means that’s what it takes to make Hallyu and Korean pop culture progress, then it is a real shame.
One after another, Hallyu stars reveal their true confessions and yet, Korean public seems to be turning a blind eye on the entertainment companies; perhaps unintentionally. Due to numerous news reports on mistreatment of young pop stars, the public accepts them today, unfortunately, as norm of the entertainment business. Fundamentally, exploitation of young entertainers is a direct result of the fact that underage celebrities are not protected under the law. Currently, they are categorized as special types of laborers which deny them the labor rights of minors that limit and restrict their working hours. Using it to their advantage, the management companies are “legally” allowed to overwork their employees in and out of Korea.
The reverent title of a Hallyu star is playing a central role in luring young teenagers to train and work under the management of notoriously successful companies. It is generally accepted that upon signing a contract with those agencies, one ought to make a debut abroad. Too many people devote their time and resources for star auditions.
Hallyu should not be a leeway for ignorant entertainment management companies to crush the dreams of young celebrities, nor should they treat minorities as if they were products for personal profiteering. Hallyu should be something genuinely Korean that embodies and reflects the Korean culture; one that honestly represents the true passion and love for music that has been passed down for generations.
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