We really need to talk about the idol industry and its effect on idol’s mental health (1 Viewer)

[athenaaa]

It feels like more and more idols are going on hiatus for anxiety and other mental health reasons. We need to talk about how detrimental the idol life is and how it needs to change. Idols are often treated like possessions which cannot be good for anyone. If we more openly acknowledged the effects on mental health, we could eventually see companies showing compassion towards their idols.​

 

[Selfmate]

whilst absolutely true
the sad part of the profession is that idols effectively work on a commission basis
the more moneys you bring in the more moneys you receive...
if you technically don't work then you don't get paid (but for things like previous royalties and stuff like that)

it's all well and good for the larger companies and the higher tier groups but for the less successful and nugu ones..they just don't have the time nor resources to take extended hiatus or even break up their schedule to focus on their mental health...

 

[athenaaa]

whilst absolutely true
the sad part of the profession is that idols effectively work on a commission basis
the more moneys you bring in the more moneys you receive...
if you technically don't work then you don't get paid (but for things like previous royalties and stuff like that)

it's all well and good for the larger companies and the higher tier groups but for the less successful and nugu ones..they just don't have the time nor resources to take extended hiatus or even break up their schedule to focus on their mental health...

What you pointed out is the whole problem. No job should ve worth putting your mental health on the line in my opinion. Good for artists taking the time they need but that can’t ve a solution forever

 

[Selfmate]

What you pointed out is the whole problem. No job should ve worth putting your mental health on the line in my opinion. Good for artists taking the time they need but that can’t ve a solution forever

that's why I would never let my children be idols (not just that but so much more negative reasons lol)

but ultimately at the end of the day it's their choice and they always have the choice to leave the group/company to focus on their mental health issues

the question is if they wish to remain but what really can be done about it??? larger and more successful groups / big4 groups have the resources for members to take time out etc etc (look at lia from itzy who's been out for like almost 1/2 year now) but for the smaller ones????

 

[athenaaa]

that's why I would never let my children be idols (not just that but so much more negative reasons lol)

but ultimately at the end of the day it's their choice and they always have the choice to leave the group/company to focus on their mental health issues

the question is if they wish to remain but what really can be done about it??? larger and more successful groups / big4 groups have the resources for members to take time out etc etc (look at lia from itzy who's been out for like almost 1/2 year now) but for the smaller ones????

The sexualization of children, the unhealthy diets, etc and so many more reasons why young children shouldn’t debut. But again these issues present itself no matter one’s age in the industry. It’s an issue that needs to be addressed.

 

[Selfmate]

The sexualization of children, the unhealthy diets, etc and so many more reasons why young children shouldn’t debut. But again these issues present itself no matter one’s age in the industry. It’s an issue that needs to be addressed.

I've said it before my friend I disagree with that my friend...whilst I would never let me children be idols I also wouldn't want to prevent others from having that choice

I can agree with all the issues you pointed out the choice whether to debut or be a trainee still lies with the person themselves...if one goes into it knowing all the shit that goes on then you have informed consent about it and choose to go into it regardless...if you go into it without knowing then it's on you for not knowing the risks...

 

[athenaaa]

I've said it before my friend I disagree with that my friend...whilst I would never let me children be idols I also wouldn't want to prevent others from having that choice

I can agree with all the issues you pointed out the choice whether to debut or be a trainee still lies with the person themselves...if one goes into it knowing all the shit that goes on then you have informed consent about it and choose to go into it regardless...if you go into it without knowing then it's on you for not knowing the risks...

I don’t think minors shouldn’t debut but children shouldn’t, like if you aren’t a teenager yet you can’t make a sound decision. But thats just my personal opinion. I do agree that the choice does lay in the person themselves but parents should also protect their young kids from an industry like that. So a 10 yo shouldn’t get stuck in an industry where they focus too much on money. I see it as any other job, most people can get a job (even babysitting) around 13. So thats a fine age to start entering the industry if thats what they really want. But the age of debuting is not really the issue here I wanted to address. Its more how companies and even fans neglect mental health

 

[Selfmate]

I don’t think minors shouldn’t debut but children shouldn’t, like if you aren’t a teenager yet you can’t make a sound decision. But thats just my personal opinion. I do agree that the choice does lay in the person themselves but parents should also protect their young kids from an industry like that. So a 10 yo shouldn’t get stuck in an industry where they focus too much on money. I see it as any other job, most people can get a job (even babysitting) around 13. So thats a fine age to start entering the industry if thats what they really want. But the age of debuting is not really the issue here I wanted to address. Its more how companies and even fans neglect mental health

but again that's on the parents...and I doubt the majority of parents are pushing their tweens to be a trainee...it's the persons themselves who wish to be an idol no?
like you said it's individual choice...It seems you nor I would even let our children do something like that but others would and it's their choice

but yes getting back to mental health...what do you think can be done about it my friend?

 

[athenaaa]

but again that's on the parents...and I doubt the majority of parents are pushing their tweens to be a trainee...it's the persons themselves who wish to be an idol no?
like you said it's individual choice...It seems you nor I would even let our children do something like that but others would and it's their choice

but yes getting back to mental health...what do you think can be done about it my friend?

First and foremost acknowledging that some people do struggle with their mental health. Without that, the conversation is useless.

 

[Selfmate]

First and foremost acknowledging that some people do struggle with their mental health. Without that, the conversation is useless.

I think for kpop companies it's been recognised more (at least the bigger ones???) like obviously we don't know the idol's struggles behind closed doors and maybe when they call hiatus because of MH issues it's the straw that broke the camels back???

 

[athenaaa]

I think for kpop companies it's been recognised more (at least the bigger ones???) like obviously we don't know the idol's struggles behind closed doors and maybe when they call hiatus because of MH issues it's the straw that broke the camels back???

Okay yes to a small degree for bigger ones but smaller ones no way

 

[Selfmate]

Okay yes to a small degree for bigger ones but smaller ones no way

I can agree with that - and like I said before it's probably a financial issue both in terms of the costs of the MH treatment and opportunity cost of missing out on the commissions...