New Delhi:
What do you get when you mix scandal, sequins, cultural backlash and global stardom? A BLACKPINK member navigating the treacherous lanes of K-pop idolhood while refusing to colour within the lines.
Once upon a time, and still, to some extent, K-pop idols were expected to be as flawless as their complexion, as docile as their curated interviews and as controversy-free as their airbrushed social media feeds.
But in a world where image is everything and missteps can be career-ending, BLACKPINK’s Jennie and Lisa have become fascinating studies in rebellion. They’re not just pushing boundaries; they’re obliterating them and, in doing so, perhaps rewriting the K-pop manual itself.
The ‘Ideal Idol’ Manual
The ‘ideal idol’ is less of a person and more of a prototype. South Korea’s entertainment industry has long expected its idols to embody a specific image: wholesome, obedient, modest, humble and scandal-free.
Agencies tightly control every aspect of an idol’s life – from diet and wardrobe to speech and social interactions. Dating is often forbidden, controversial topics are taboo, and a single “wrong” move can invite the wrath of a hyper-engaged public.
The Korean entertainment industry’s infamous cancel culture, coupled with the vigilant gaze of conservative netizens, ensures that even perceived transgressions invite boycotts, cyberbullying and PR crises.
The Culture Of Cancellation
Unlike in the West, where fans often separate art from the artist, Korea’s celebrity culture is built on inseong, a concept that blends morality, image and public duty. K-pop idols are viewed as national representatives and role models, making personal transgressions feel like public betrayals.
Cancellation in this context is swift and brutal. A whiff of impropriety – be it vaping indoors, dating, wearing the wrong costume, or being too expressive – can erase years of goodwill.
Leave a Reply