The music industry as a whole is dark and ugly, but I have a particular hatred for the K-Pop industry. It’s a well-oiled machine. Young teens are groomed to perfection by these large entertainment companies with the sole purpose of making as much money as they can from their “investments”.

Kids sign their lives away to these entertainment companies and are under strict control and supervision throughout their entire careers. They leave their families as young teens for training, with no guarantee to be a part of any group for years. And through all this, they are subjected to mental and physical abuse, which has pushed some k-pop artists to commit suicide. The pressures of the industry and the fans in South Korea are enormous, and Asia in general is on an entirely different level.

These k-pop stars also have no say in any creative aspect of their music or performances. Every little detail and idea comes from the entertainment company. This aspect of the industry is troubling because it solidifies the idea of these kids as possessions, not people. How sad is it to pursue a music career knowing you will never be able to express yourself creatively, which is likely included in the contract they sign.

Let’s end it on this gem. These entertainment companies, their CEOs and even some of the actual stars, have orchestrated a prostitution ring to lure foreign investors to invest in these shit companies. Women have been drugged, raped and sexually assaulted, and in some cases filmed without their knowledge or consent.

The k-pop industry likes to project an image of glamour and perfection, but the reality is much more sinister.