The glitz and glamour of the K-pop industry can be tantalizing. However, what lurks behind the spotlight may not be as enthralling.
A recent revelation by a former trainee suggests that "money makes the music" in K-Pop.
Unspoken Hierarchy in Talent Selection
Bianca Zhou, a well-followed influencer and a former trainee of SM and YG Entertainment, revealed the less-celebrated aspects of the industry.
With approximately 30,000 followers, Zhou provides insights into the life of K-pop trainees.
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She claims that some of the most hardworking and talented trainees fail to debut because of financial constraints.
This grim reality, Zhou adds, is not just confined to small companies desperate for funding.
Even the "Big Four" of K-pop - SM, YG, JYP, and HYBE - are not immune to this trend. Zhou elaborates, "Those with ample sponsorship funds take up the spots. It's a common occurrence."
The "Golden Spoon" Preference
The appeal of "trainee-family investment," according to Zhou, extends to affluent agencies too. This is mainly due to the massive funding required for concept development, styling, and filming techniques integral to K-pop groups.
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Zhou further cautioned, "In some cases, a wealthy trainee can seize the spot of another, regardless of their relative talent. The company can replace a long-standing trainee with a rich one simply because they can support their debut financially."
Networking: The Invisible Currency
In her denunciation of the industry practices, Zhou stresses the significance of connections in showbiz. If a trainee has ties with influential social circles, it is almost instantly noticed by the company.
This revelation adds another layer to the previous allegations made by Japanese model Miya, formerly a member of the K-pop group "GWSN."
In an interview with a Japanese outlet, she likened her trainee days to being "in prison." She also lamented the exploitation of teenagers by agencies, revealing that her company was particularly stringent, with no free time, money, or access to personal phones.
Dismaying the K-Pop Dreamers
With the global Hallyu wave, more and more aspiring artists are drawn to the K-pop industry.
Yet, this revelation casts a shadow over these dreams, evoking a sense of dismay towards the forces that trample upon them.
The glittering world of K-pop, it seems, might not shine as brightly for those without the "golden spoon."
