[TW: sexual abuse, shaming]
K-pop idols before debuting carry specific images that their company wants to portray. Whether it be reserve, pure, innocent, badass, introvert, etc. that will match the concept of the entire group.
However, in order to maintain the portrayal of that K-pop idol, their company has to step in and force, or rather ban them from doing inevitable things, particularly preventing them from speaking!
The following K-pop idols were silenced by their agencies, and you will be shocked how infuriating and ridiculous the reasons are.
1.Super Junior Heechul
Heechul is truly one of the prettiest flower boy idols who can capture a fan’s heart immediately, not to mention his fun and friendly personality on and off-cam. However, contrary to the current Heechul now who is not afraid to speak his mind, did you know that he was once prevented by SM Entertainment from speaking?
According to the male idol, to maintain his elegant and Queen-like image, he was instructed to keep silent to maintain his reputation.
2. INFINITE Myungsoo/L
L or Myungsoo is one of the top visuals of the second-gen K-pop which fans and netizens adore so much. On his appearance for JTBC’s “Knowing Brothers,” he revealed that he was mandated by former agency Woollim Entertainment to maintain a mysterious and handsome idol image, just like L of “Death Note” which is the inspiration of his stage name.
He also shared his struggles of keeping up with that image, wherein he was prohibited to laugh that’s why he has to turn back whenever he feels like bursting out in laughter.
3. former Yellow Bee Ari
In 2019, Yellow Bee which is the revamp of the same-name group with different members was introduced by Addiction Entertainment. However, after a year of success, the group decided to disband. According to the agency, the reason for the sudden disbandment was because of a member B, who has a promiscuous lifestyle and issues with her co-members.
Due to the controversy, Ari then surfaces with a different statement, stating that the only unchaste is the agency itself. She exposed how the managers and staff would sexually harass them and even molested them in the practice room.
She also confessed that they are forced to keep quiet about the abuse due to their dreams.
4. TWICE Tzuyu
In 2016, Tzuyu and JYP Entertainment have been involved in a political war, as the female idol was accused of being a pro-independence Taiwan activist when she was seen raising a flag of Taiwan on a Korean broadcast to show their country of origin.
Due to this, Mainland China, which considers Taiwan to be under their jurisdiction called Tzuyu a traitor, and nationalist Chinese then demanded Tzuyu, TWICE and JYP be banned in China.
Later on, Tzuyu was forced to release an apology video and instructed through a piece of paper to say that Taiwan and China are one, as there’s only one China.
The 16-year-old idol; however, then faced another backlash from Taiwanese people following her apology.
JYP Entertainment then canceled and suspended Tzuyu and TWICE’s activities in the said country, wherein JY Park also released his formal apology letter.
5. Secret Number Denise
In June, Denise took on social media to show some respect and support to the on-going #BLACKLIVESMATTER Movement that intensifies following the death of George Floyd. But as soon as she posted photos relating to the movement, her social media accounts were suddenly taken down.
Fans and supporters of the rookie idol then expressed their disappointment and anger towards Vine Entertainment for allegedly silencing the idol for joining the stand wherein there’s chaos towards K-pop idols who were voicing out and not giving their opinions regarding BLM during that time.
Fans also notice how her recent selfie during that time was deleted, as well as she was not included in the video released by the group amidst the issue.
