Following reports that North Korean media claimed that idols like BTS and BLACKPINK are being treated like slaves, CNN has countered all of their claims and explains the reason for North Korea's statement. Keep on reading to learn more.
Are Idols Like BTS and BLACKPINK Being Treated Like Slaves?
Arirang Meari, a North Korean media outlet, previously made a report stating that K-pop idols are being treated like slaves by their company, naming BTS and BLACKPINK as prime examples. They claim that they are forced to sign exclusive, unfair contracts at a young age, some as young as while they are elementary or middle school students, and are made to receive harsh training to be an all-rounded idol.
Arirang Meari claims that idols are banned from leaving their dormitories and are made to only sleep, at most, for three hours a day due to their hectic schedules. They claim that many idols suffer from mental health issues, which forces some to take their own lives while leaving notes claiming that it is because of the harsh life they have under their labels.
Arirang Meari claims that idols are deprived of their mind, body, and soul as they are treated like slaves.
The media goes on to say that some female idols are forced to endure insults and humiliation while they are trainees. The report goes as far as saying that female trainees and idols are forced to sexually cater to businessmen and politicians to survive in the industry.
Surprisingly, Arirang Meari included a wide variety of sources to support their claims. The report by the news outlet was made amid the growing popularity of K-pop worldwide, including North America. Arirang Meari's article soon went viral among South Koreans.
As of press time, Big Hit Entertainment nor YG Entertainment have yet to respond to the reports.
ALSO READ: Exploited and Treated Like Slaves? North Korean Media Made a Shocking Claim
CNN Claps Back at Claims that Idols Like BTS and BLACKPINK are Being Treated Like Slaves
Following Arirang Meari's claims, CNN released their own report with their own statements. According to the esteemed news publication, while it is true that the K-pop industry is notorious for being difficult to enter, all of North Korea's claims in the articles are groundless.
When talking about why Arirang Meari chose to write such a news article, CNN states, "The report may have been released as part of North Korean propaganda and the pressure to crack down on foreign media. North Korea's strict censorship system limits the movies, music, television shows, newspapers, and books that North Koreans can access, but modern technology allows foreign content to be smuggled into the country, usually through USBs."
"North Korean defectors have testified against the severe punishment they face if they are caught consuming foreign content from South Korea and the United States due to the history between the countries. However, this has not completely stopped North Koreans from attempting to consume foreign content, and North Korea is trying to change that," CNN adds.
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Written by Alexa Lewis
