Documentary ‘Kpop Idols’ Unveils the Harsh Realities Behind Kpop Industry

South Korea’s cultural exports have exploded over the past decade, with groups like BTS and BLACKPINK consistently dominating international music charts. Korean dramas have also gained widespread popularity on streaming platforms.

The documentary “Kpop Idols” follows artists as they embark on world tours, sharing emotional moments and enduring hours of grueling rehearsals.

Most Kpop idols begin their training as teenagers, enduring immense pressure and strict management from entertainment companies. The exhaustion from pursuing their dreams, combined with public scrutiny, leads to widespread mental health crises. Many idols have chosen death as a means of escape, seeking rest.

The documentary also captures the recent efforts of the Kpop industry to enhance the global appeal of the genre by recruiting foreign talent. In June, the South Korean Ministry of Finance announced that the country would soon implement a new visa program called the Cultural Training Visa, aimed at foreigners who want to train in dance, choreography, acting, and music.

Additionally, the film addresses the extreme and scientifically unsound dieting practices of Kpop idols.

Source: K14