While Suga – member of the popular Korean boy band BTS – is currently facing police scrutiny and public ire over a ‘driving offence’, die-hard K-Pop fans around the world decry the overall cultural tight-rope which most Korean idols are compelled to walk to stay relevant
Celebrities and cultural idols in South Korea sure enjoy overwhelming love and admiration by fans, not just in South Korea, but globally. However, it all comes with a volley of unwelcome strings attached, often leading some celebrities in question to depression, emotional turbulence, even suicide!
The latest pointer to this scary trend is that of globally popular Korean boy band BTS’s Suga (Min YoonGi) who is currently under police scrutiny, as well as facing unprecedented backlash from fans, for being apprehended after losing his stance while parking an e-scooter, as he was found to be inebriated.
To Suga’s misfortune, a beat policeman chanced upon him and chose to go to town with his ‘big catch’. He was subjected to a breath analyser test and subsequently fined as well as his license was revoked for being under the influence.
Wearing a helmet, Suga had left a bar just 500m from his residential complex, on a ‘kick board’, after enjoying a few drinks. As he reached his residence, the popular Korean idol, who has a fan following running into nearly 50 million, stumbled while turning his kickboard to park.
As a follow up to the case, on Friday, Suga bowed in front of journalists when he showed up at the police station in Seoul’s fashionable Yongsan district, and said, “I’m sorry, I’m very sorry. I sincerely reflect on the fact I caused disappointment to many fans and people. I will cooperate fully with the investigation. I am sorry again.”
Experts say, the punishment will depend on what kind of e-scooter he was driving as well as the merits of the case. Police have said Suga’s blood alcohol level was 0.227 per cent – nearly three times over the legal limit. This could mean a prison sentence of up to five years or a fine between KRW10-20mn (US$7,300 to 15,000) under the South Korean Road Traffic Act.
‘Ridiculous, extreme’
Reacting to Suga’s offence, a local K-Pop fan, Earshad bin Baloch, said, “The very premise of this scandal is wrong. Suga was ‘riding’ a kickboard. You can’t ‘drive’ a kick board. So, how can this be a case of DUI (driving under the influence)? I feel this is a ridiculous charge.”
Teenager Aayath Khanum, a die-hard K-Pop fan, added, “I always admire these K-Pop idols. The guys and gals seem like dolls. But, I understand, they go to extremes to keep their doll-like appearance – that isn’t right.”
WK, another fan in Muscat, said, “Who doesn’t make mistakes? We are all humans. I do not see any issues for Suga to continue his career path. Korean ‘cancel culture’ is quite extreme.” Many K-Pop fans in Muscat think alike.
Tight-rope walk
To add to the star’s anguish, he has also been facing the ire of fans as well as ill-wishers who have not only been trolling him on social media and suggesting that he quit BTS but also sending unpleasant pointers, like sending provocative wreaths to his home, which suggest the demise of his career and image.
Korean stars have to often walk the tight-rope to please their fans as well as stay relevant in the public eye. This involves a good measure of toxicity which they need to take in their stride. With thousands of naysayers bombarding one’s social media portals and posts, as well critical articles in a section of the press, the struggle to please everyone at all time remains an everyday task.
Cyberbullying is one of the most toxic forms of abuse these stars face, and no matter the number of times one tries to justify oneself, cyber bullies look out for slips to have a field day. Sadly, it often goes beyond limits and tends to take a fatal path, much to the grief of die-hard K-Pop fans.
In this part of the world, physical appearance is considered one of the most scrutinised aspects of an idol’s image. The industry imposes rigid and often unrealistic beauty standards, which include having a slim figure and ‘perfect’ facial proportions. The standards are so stringent that idols often resort to extreme dieting and cosmetic procedures to be in the reckoning.
The case of Momo Hirai, from the popular girl group Twice, is a stark example of such pressure. Momo reportedly survived on nothing but ice cubes for ten days, to stay within a specific weight requirement, with the threat of being barred from appearing on a variety show looming large over her.
Scrutiny and scandals
The scrutiny idols face also extends far beyond their physical appearance. Every aspect of their behaviour is also monitored and judged by the public. Something as seemingly trivial as the way an idol eats, speaks, or even smiles can become the subject of intense public debate.
A recent example is that of Won-Young, from the girl group IVE, who received an onslaught of hate comments simply for the way she ate a strawberry. This incident exemplifies how idols are expected to conform to a range of acceptable behaviour, and that any deviation could lead to severe public backlash.
Rumours and scandals are another area where idols face enormous pressure. In a society where reputation is paramount, even unverified claims can have devastating consequences.
Hyunjin, from the boy group Stray Kids, experienced this first-hand when he was accused of bullying during his school years. Public reaction was swift and harsh, forcing him to take a hiatus from his group while the damage to his reputation illustrated the unforgiving nature of public opinion in the K-Pop industry.
Despite a growing number of reported cyberbullying cases and related suicides, the South Korean police have reportedly struggled to file charges. In 2019, the country’s legislators had called for a new law that would make cyberbullying education mandatory in all schools.
Wall of shame
(Contributed by: Nisha Joshi)
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