As K-pop's popularity soars, South Korea has become a haven for young hopefuls from around the world wishing to break into the music industry. Many take that chance each year, enrolling in programs that promise a path to stardom.
This hope led Miyu, a young woman whose real name has been changed for her protection, to South Korea in 2024. Armed with dreams, she paid 3 million yen (approximately $19,800) to join a six-month K-pop training program in Seoul, looking forward to professional dance and vocal lessons along with audition opportunities.
“There were supposed to be weekly auditions, but that never happened,” claims Miyu, recounting her experiences on the bustling streets of Hongdae, a district known for its vibrant music scene. She alleges that lessons were scarce and that she experienced sexual harassment from a senior staff member at the academy.
Miyu's harrowing experience reflects the harsh realities of an under-regulated industry where the allure of K-pop can come with significant risks. Other trainees corroborated her claims, stating that the promised auditions never materialized and that they faced similar experiences of harassment.
The academy where Miyu attended falls under the entertainment agency category and evades the stricter regulations that apply to educational institutions, emphasizing a gap in protective measures for foreign trainees who invest their hopes and finances into such programs.
Miyu, alongside other former students, now advocates for better oversight and protections within the K-pop training industry, which should ensure that young stars can chase their dreams safely and without exploitation.
“This is where I pursued my dream,” Miyu concluded. “But it also brings back my trauma.” Despite her ordeal, she remains determined to succeed in the K-Pop world, emphasizing that the passion driving her is still alive.
