In a broadcast, top female idols Uhm Jung Hwa, Lee Hyori, BoA, MAMAMOO Hwasa talked about their struggles due to the strict K-pop training system. Due to this, they also revealed their "rebellious" days after feeling oppressed.
Seoul Check-in teaser photo News1)
On April 29, the tVN's Original reality show, "Seoul Check-in" featured top female idols led by MC Lee Hyori, a former Fin. K.L member.
During the show, Lee along with "Evergreen" Uhm Jung Hwa, BoA, and Hwasa gathered at singer Kim Wan Sun's house.
Wan Sun, BoA Recall Struggles as Female Idols
Wan Sun, Jung Hwa (News1)
On this day, the five celebrities were enjoying a meal together when Uhm Jung Hwa suddenly reminisced about one incident when she interacted with Wan Sun at MBC company.
"I eat at 5 o'clock before my 7 o'clock show. When I go to the restaurant, I sometimes come to Wan Sun, but I've never seen her eat. Why aren't you eating? She didn't sit down to it. I felt that my heart wanted to go next to you and sit down. I just thought, 'They probably didn't eat it because it was before the show'."
Wan Sun, Jung Hwa (News1)
In response, Kim Wan Sun expressed the sad reality of a singer's diet, saying:
"I couldn't eat there. I just went because we went together. I think I've always just watched other people eat. There were things that I couldn't eat, so I usually stay still. The ice cream I eat before my stage became the source of my strength."
While on the topic of being strictly managed (by the company), Lee Hyori turned to BoA and asked:
"Aren't you too young to be supervised? I heard that you practiced even after your debut."
BoA, who debuted at the young age of 13 narrated how she continued to practice even after her debut. Because of that, she was not able to go somewhere just like a normal teenager because she was too tired for that.
Lee Hyori, BoA, Hwasa Share Rebellious Moments
BoA, Lee Hyori (News1)
As the conversation went on, BoA then narrated that she strongly felt the "oppression" when she was in her 20s. That's when she came to Lee Hyori, who is her senior at that time.
BoA said:
"As oppression exploded in my 20s, I went to karaoke with Hyori unnie. She became my nightlife leader."
In response, Kim Wan-sun told Lee Hyori:
"Baby, you did so many great things," causing everyone's laughter.
BoA, Hyori, Wan Sun, Jung Hwa, Hwasa News1)
Hwasa, the youngest among the five idols was then asked how the new generation was doing these days in regards to this strict company policy. She also opened up about one time they opposed their agency.
Hwasa narrated:
"I think security has changed for the current generation. We (MAMAMOO) packed our bags and escaped early in the morning. We couldn't go to a club because we were scared, but we went to a bar. I exchanged e-mails with the members and sent messages like, 'Where are you?' It's like we are in the 90s."
