Kpop’s Dark Side: Idol Training Revealed

When you think of Kpop, vibrant colors, passionate fans, and catchy tunes likely come to mind.

Yet, the industry harbors a darker side that often goes unspoken. Before debuting, Kpop idols endure a rigorous training phase, which can be particularly challenging.

From strict diets to relentless surveillance, fans are aware of the tough conditions their favorite artists face during training. However, recent revelations have exposed even more shocking truths.

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Trainee Abuse

In a recent livestream, Kpop idols Soobin and Taehyun from TXT (Tomorrow X Together) disclosed that they experienced physical punishment during their trainee days. TXT is under the same label as BTS—Hybe’s Bighit Entertainment.

Soobin, 24, known for his honesty, shared a story about struggling to learn a complex dance originally performed by Seventeen, their labelmates. The instructor tasked them with learning the routine through videos without direct guidance. Soobin noted the difficulty was expected due to the lack of instruction.

During the stream, Taehyun remarked he was “hit a little less” because of older trainees present at the time.

Kpop fans know it’s rare for idols to openly criticize their companies. Many contracts prevent speaking out, and the industry culture discourages negativity, portraying idols and companies as familial—though this perspective is shifting.

Upon reading Taehyun’s comment, Soobin acknowledged their past experiences of being hit, noting they escaped the worst since they weren’t the least skilled trainees.

The revelation shocked the fandom. Fans described it as “heartbreaking” and expressed anger at the company for permitting such abuse. Many felt proud of the artists for raising awareness about trainee conditions. As Soobin mentioned, they were merely in grades 8 or 10 during these events, with most trainees being minors.

Some comments from self-identified dancers claimed such training causes severe psychological and physical harm.

Diets and Surveillance

TXT isn’t the first group to reveal harsh training realities.

Numerous groups have highlighted grueling schedules, with trainees attending school in the morning and practicing late into the night, leaving little time for rest. Trainees often rely on their labels to debut and achieve their dreams.

Fans find it disheartening that this training is normalized, possibly allowing idols to discuss it more freely.

Trainees undergo strict diets and constant surveillance. BTS has mentioned being unable to eat snacks due to dietary restrictions. Stray Kids, under JYP Entertainment, revealed their coordinators monitored trainees via cameras to prevent “slacking off.” They jokingly noted a blind spot in the room used for napping or snacking.

Momo from Twice, under the same label as Stray Kids, was reportedly told to eat an ice cube when hungry to lose weight. All Twice members faced strict diets. Bang Chan from Stray Kids, a trainee when Twice debuted, admitted sneaking food to them to avoid trouble.

Improving Conditions?

Idols generally experience better conditions if their group succeeds. They gain contract control and independence. Recently, Soobin mentioned on a variety show that he can speak freely due to ongoing contract renegotiations, giving them leverage.

In the same livestream, Taehyun added that current trainees no longer face physical punishment. Soobin agreed, noting anyone caught hitting trainees would face severe consequences.

However, it’s concerning that such treatment of minors was standard just a few years ago—TXT debuted in 2019.

Mental Health and Tragedies

The mental health of Kpop idols has gained attention recently. Suicides of idols like Jonghyun, Sulli, Hara, and Moonbin highlight the immense pressure from the public. Cyberbullying reportedly contributed to Sulli’s death, as she frequently sought action against online rumors and harassment.

Sulli, known for being outspoken, didn’t fit the traditional idol mold and faced relentless bullying. Idols are expected to appear perfect and often hide aspects of their lives, including relationships. Dating rumors can lead to backlash, as seen with Exo’s Chen facing protests after announcing his marriage.

Tablo from Epik High endured severe hate from a group accusing him of falsifying his Stanford degree. Despite proving his credentials, the group’s defamation continued. He later revealed constant stalking and distrust of those around him.

Even minor incidents, like BTS’s Suga falling off a scooter, attract public and media criticism. Apology letters are common, showing idols’ obligation to public approval.

The debate over what idols owe the public and the extent of their suffering remains crucial. These issues gain traction as Kpop culture evolves. Global audiences hold the industry accountable, and idols increasingly find support to speak out.

Still, with the foundational structure of idol groups and training unchanged, the impact of these revelations on the Kpop industry remains uncertain.