K-Pop idols' numbers have been rising, and netizens expect a lot from them, making them vulnerable to criticization and possibly ruin their career.
Here are six things that could destroy the careers of an idol. (Via Koreaboo)
1. Bullying
Netizens see bullying scandals seriously as many idols had ruined their career because of this reason. One of the famous cases which happened recently is when former AOA member Mina was bullied during their time together as a group by Jimin.
While Jimin denied all the allegations, Mina posted on her Instagram account her thoughts and was traumatized by what Jimin did. This issue made Jimin leave AOA and retire from the industry and made her image ruined.
2. Dating
It has always been strange that K-pop idols should not date for their fans' "sake." One example is EXO's Chen, who announced that he is getting married and is soon to be a father.
Many fans supported his decision, but other fans boycotted him because he is in a relationship and should get kicked out of the group. However, the management released a statement that Chen will be staying with EXO.
3. Gambling
Gambling in any form is illegal and is looked negatively by the Korean general public. SHINHWA's Andy was caught gambling during a soccer match last 2013.
After being found gambling, Korea's Main Broadcasting Channels, MBC, banned him, which also did not last long more than a year.
4. Using Drugs
Using drugs is also negatively seen by the netizens as wrongdoing. In 2010, 2NE1's Park Bom was caught smuggling drugs from the United States.
Some drugs are legal in other countries but are not in some. Amphetamines are likely to be permitted in the U.S. but are illegal in Korea. Park Bom showed medical proof and history with prescription meds, and netizens continued bashing her to the point that the company forcefully suspended due to the backlash.
5. DUI
Former Super Junior member Kangin was caught driving under the influence twice. His major downfall started when he was caught in a DUI incident in 2009 and again in another DUI in 2016.
Netizens believed that Kangin never reflected on his action. All of this forced Kangin to leave Super Junior.
6. Avoiding Military Service
A celebrity trying to avoid military service usually results in career-ending. The most famous case was Steve Yoo back in 2002.
He was supposed to fulfill his mandatory military duties but shocked a lot of people with his decision. He gave up his Korean citizenship and got American citizenship to remove his compulsory military service.
This case resulted in Steve Yoo being banned by the Korean Government as an act of betrayal of the country and banned from entering the country.