As K-pop's popularity soars, South Korea has become a destination for young people around the world hoping to break into the industry. Many take that chance each year to enroll in programmes promising a path to stardom.
That hope brought Miyu to South Korea in 2024. Her name has been changed to protect her identity. Armed with big dreams, the teen paid 3 million yen ($19,800; £14,500) to join a six-month programme at a K-pop training academy in Seoul. In return, she was to be given professional dance and vocal lessons and the opportunity to audition for major music agencies.
However, Miyu reported that, There were supposed to be weekly auditions, but that never happened. Lessons were infrequent, and she alleged that she faced sexual harassment from a senior staff member. The company, unnamed for legal reasons, denied all allegations.
Miyu's story reflects a reality faced by many trainees; investigations revealed alarming reports of unregulated practices within a promising yet perilous industry.
Other trainees supported her claims, stating they had similar experiences, including inappropriate behavior and a lack of promised audition opportunities. The company maintained its position, claiming that opportunities existed for auditions and that the academy has trained nearly 200 foreign trainees since its inception.
K-pop training programmes lack strong regulatory oversight, as they often operate outside of existing education laws, classified instead as entertainment agencies.
Despite the dark undertones, the lure of fame drives many young hopefuls like Miyu to pursue their dreams in South Korea. Yet, as seen through the experiences of Miyu and others, achieving stardom can come at a severe cost.
