Former CocoSori Coco and former JYP Entertainment trainee Gina Maeng spilled some tea about the dark sides of the K-pop industry, based on their experiences, in terms of dating, debut, and many more.
On Coco's latest vlog, the K-pop idol and current solo singer Coco along with popular former JYP trainee Gina Maeng revealed the K-pop sides which fans may not know.
Indeed, being a K-pop idol is not always fancy and easy, as some have to pay a price to reach their dreams and aspirations.
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Here are the Dark Sides and Unrevealed Sides of the K-pop Industry, According to Experiences of Coco and Gina Maeng
1. Social Status Influences Chances to Debut
Though the ex-JYP trainee said that it may not be always the case, but some companies who don't have money received money from wealthy trainees' families.
2. Visuals and English-speaker trainee is Important
When asked if visuals are important from a scale of 1-10, Gina Maeng didn't hesitate to answer "10." But she explained, "But it's not about being like perfect or handsome face, it's about having the visual that the company is looking for."
They also added how being an English-speaker is an edge for a trainee, especially from companies who aim to produce global groups.
3. Weight issue is a Huge Hindrance to Debut as a K-pop Idol
Furthermore, they also confirmed that idols have a monthly checking of weights, and Coco confessed, "I got cut from one of the companies because I was unable to lose two pounds [...] and I was shamed in front of everyone."
She narrated that before weighing her, she spit all the fluids she have that night and succeeded before the actual checking. Due to dehydration, Coco drank some water, but when the official weighing happened, she failed and eventually cut off. The solo singer further confessed she was embarrassed in front of other trainees and was called "fat."
Gina also added that some of the well-known celebrities known for their healthy lifestyles actually have eating disorders.
4. Voluntary Withdrawal Means you are Ready to Sign Documents Stating that You Will not Work in the K-pop Business
According to Maeng, a trainee who was cut off or kicked out from an agency don't need to pay for their training resources, but if a trainee wants to leave with no issues, companies will stop you from going to other companies by signing documents or pay for everything you used during your training.
As the video goes on, Gina expressed how a CEO tried to contact her, apparently wanting to hit on her.
5. Dating Ban
It depends on the company, but the former trainee said that most of them do. Coco then opened up about her related experience wherein her company cut off several trainees for being in a relationship, especially those who are dating under the same company.
She added information that truly shocked the viewers, saying, "But everyone dates, okay? Like EVERYONE. It's just a matter of how well you hide it."
Coco went on by saying, "I might be breaking some of your fantasies, but all of your favorite idols, they're dating," in which Gina added, "each other."
The former trainee also spilled some tea by conveying, "and then [they date] with other members of the same group."
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
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Written by Eunice Dawson
