In the K-pop industry, idols as young as 14 can make their debut and enter the competitive music world. Examples of K-idols who debuted when they were young include well-known celebrities such as G-Dragon, BoA, Taemin, and HyunA. Years ago, a few K-pop groups might have had one or two young members. However, as time passes by, more and more members who are younger are debuting, raising concerns for fans all over the world. If no regulations are brought in, inevitable issues may arise in the lives of these young K-pop stars.

There are numerous negative outcomes that can occur when a young idol gets introduced to the world of K-pop. They may experience a lack of living a normal childhood, limited education due to conflicting and busy schedules, little freedom due to strict idol contracts, and the pressure of fame. Further, exposure to media as well as being vulnerable to the opinions of both fans and haters might also come with downsides, as the hate comments might take a harsh toll on them, and may gradually lead to both an inability to cope with stress and self-destructive behavior.

Over the years, the K-pop industry went through tremendous changes in what is “in” and what is “out.” The shift from “cute” to “sexy” and vice-versa remains a threat to younger idols who are obligated by their companies to follow these given trends. In 2022, K-pop girl group New Jeans released a song titled “Cookie,” with the lyrics having lines such as, “Made a little cookie/Come and take a lookie” and “Take it, don’t break it/I wanna see you taste it” which were interpreted as “inappropriate” and “provocative” by some. After the group’s agency proved that the sexualization of minors was not the case, fans of the group calmed down.

A new South Korean bill coined the “Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act” was recently introduced to protect idols under the age of 15 from exploitation and prevent them from working more than 35 hours weekly. It aims to limit the working hours of young K-pop idols as well as prohibit health-threatening acts that might overemphasize their looks. Also known as the “Lee Seung-gi Crisis Prevention Act,” it was named after the singer as Lee was reportedly overworked and was not paid. According to Dispatch, he was under a “slave contract” that prevented him from rightfully getting his income in his 18-year-long music career. When this came to light, many were outraged and the National Assembly eventually passed the bill. As Lee started his career at the age of 17, younger idols nowadays need more protection since his age was considered a contributing factor in his mistreatment.

Deceased members of famous idol groups, such as f(x)’s Sulli and Shinee’s Jong-hyun, show that there is an urgent need for securing basic rights in the K-pop industry and providing help for those who need it. These stars who passed away do not only inspire the industry with their hard work and contributions but also for their impact on shedding light on important social issues. Young idols are only the tip of the iceberg due to their young age and naïveté. At the end of the day, it is important to consider the safety of idols both young and old as they work in an industry that can be rewarding but also overwhelming. We should be more understanding and have empathy towards these idols who give unimaginable efforts all day and night to reach the dream of becoming a K-pop idol on the global stage.