Female Korean Students’ Honest Thoughts On K-Pop Idols Involved In Bullying Scandals
Since the Korean entertainment world saw at least fourteen bullying scandals back in 2021, with some resulting in K-Pop idols leaving their groups or the accusations were proven false, it’s a sensitive issue. With the bullying scandals continuing into 2022, with a Show Me The Money contestant and a LE SSERAFIM member, YouTuber JerryRic asked female Korean students their thoughts on the latest accusations and bullying concerning Korean celebrities.
1. Deep reflection is a necessary step for those accused of participating in bullying others, especially for those who are young.
Since it’s a bad thing to bully someone, it would be nice if she reflected on what she did. I don’t think she should leave the group because of that—because she’s still young, and she still has a lot to learn in life.
— Korean Student
2. As citizens, celebrities must accept the consequences of their actions.
And you only get that level of punishment if what you did is really bad and severe. And I do not think someone who bullies others should become celebrities and live a happy life.
— Korean Student
3. Celebrities are role models and should uphold that title.
I don’t think it’s good that someone that bullied other people should become a celebrity. Because someone that is supposed to set an example to others but did something bad shouldn’t be a celebrity.
— Korean Student
4. Entertainment companies may know more about K-Pop idols’ pasts than they reveal.
There’s something called school record and every school has records of each student. And since [they were] punished bullying somone, that will definitely reflect on [their] record.
— Korean Student
5. Apologizing to the victim and reflecting on the situation is necessary.
Although what she did was bad, if she sincerely apologizes to the victims, I think it should be okay for her to keep promoting with the group. But it depends on her attitude towards the whole situation.
— Korean Student
6. The victim may feel triggered seeing their bully living a normal life.
I think the victims will feel it’s unfair seeing [the idol accused of bullying] on stage performing.
— Korean Student
7. There is always more than one victim.
It’s unfair to the other members that worked hard with their sweat and tears to be associated with someone that will ruin the image of the group.
— Korean Student
8. The spotlight can be a double-edged sword for everyone involved.
Although they are involved in the scandal, there will be a lot of eyes on them. Although there may be a negative impact, I think it is a way for people to know about their name and song.
— Korean Student
9. Others are caught in the crossfire and suffer the consequences.
Since they are a new group, and they are already involved in a scandal, I think the members of the group will be mentally affected.
— Korean
Check out the female Korean students’ full thoughts on the entire bullying topic here.
