K-pop idols comply with certain standards in South Korea, which, at times, are overstepping to their personal lives.
It is widely known that most of the time, Korean celebrities are not open to date freely. Many think that due to the country's standard in terms of dating, they usually resort to keeping the relationship hidden from the public glare.
Often, international fans call out K-netz for these. In 2018, a YouTube vlog, Asian Boss, surveyed ordinary citizens and asked if K-pop idols should be allowed to date. Scroll down and see how Koreans answered below!
Do Koreans think K-pop idols should be allowed to date?
Majority of the Koreans interviewed answered that K-pop idols should do so. One participant even asked if love is a crime, and that one needs it. Another explained that if both like each other, they should date, but they should not deceive fans.
How could K-pop idols deceive fans?
Digging further, how could K-pop idols deceive fans when they are dating? According to the participant, an artist who is into a relationship should be honest from the beginning. It would have been better for fans if they opened up about it in the first place.
Why are some fans against K-pop idols dating?
One answered that he believes there is an inferiority complex. He explained that since pretty girls and boys are dating, they get such feelings and become jealous.
Why are most agencies in South Korea ban dating among K-pop idols?
On the said vlog, ordinary citizens were asked about why agencies impose a dating ban on idols. One said that because they are public figures. The other reasoned out that if these K-pop stars dated in the open, some fans will turn their backs on them. Thus, the idol's status decreases its marketable value. This coincides with how another citizen views this issue and said that agencies don't want their stocks to dip since an artist who is taken by someone somehow loses his or her popularity, hugely affecting the business.
"The fantasy goes away," one person shared.
What other things K-pop idols should not do?
While dating is like a red flag for idols, Korean citizens enumerated the things that K-pop idols should never do like ordinary citizens. Surprisingly, dating is not part of the list, but drugs, smoking, and gambling were mentioned.
HyunA and Dawn's relationship confirmation made frenzy after their agency kicked them out. Also, plenty of couples in K-pop's history have separated ways due to pressures shoved to them by the public.
Nonetheless, it's a breath of fresh air that some Koreans consider K-pop idols dating as something that should not be hindered.
