A former staff member of HYBE, a leading entertainment company in the K-pop industry, recently stirred a storm of conversations with her eye-opening YouTube video, where she opened up about the harsh and demanding realities behind the glitzy facade of the K-pop world. The video quickly gained widespread attention from K-pop fans and the general public alike, shedding light on the lesser-known struggles that employees face in the fast-paced, high-pressure industry.

According to the ex-employee, working in the K-pop industry is not for those seeking stability or a balanced lifestyle. The days of the employees are grueling and relentless, often stretching beyond the normal working hours. It is not uncommon for staff members to be on set for more than 12 hours, working tirelessly on music video shoots, only to return to the office afterward to continue working without a proper break. She even recounts a particularly shocking experience when she spent hours inside a cramped editing room of less than one square meter. There, she slept on her desk for only two to three hours before waking up to continue working under extreme deadlines. Despite the exhausting schedule, the passion for art and the artists is the only thing that keeps the staff members going.

While the glamorous world of K-pop is often portrayed to fans, the reality behind the scenes is far from glamorous. The ex-employee highlights how employees in the industry are expected to push through physical and mental exhaustion with no regard for personal well-being. The concept of work-life balance, which many people in other professions take for granted, is almost non-existent in the K-pop entertainment world. The pressure is constant, and employees are expected to perform at the highest level, regardless of how little sleep they’ve had or how little time they’ve spent on personal care. The lifestyle is so demanding that showering can become an afterthought, and staff often go days without even thinking about taking a break or resting properly.

The YouTuber goes on to explain that the work environment within entertainment companies, including HYBE, can be highly sensitive and politically charged. She draws a comparison between the dynamics of modern entertainment companies and the royal palaces of the Joseon era, where even the slightest misstep could lead to misunderstandings or rumors. In this highly controlled environment, even the most innocent interactions can be misinterpreted and spark rumors, such as those related to idols’ secret relationships or dating lives. A simple backstage conversation or a casual encounter with an idol could lead to whispers of speculation and gossip, which could potentially damage careers or reputations.

Furthermore, she notes that for those who enter the industry with the hope of forming personal relationships or friendships with their favorite idols, the reality can be quite disappointing. In her experience, idols are no longer distant stars who fans can only dream of meeting; instead, they become colleagues or even superiors. The strict professional boundaries that exist between employees and idols make it incredibly difficult for personal friendships to blossom. Those who aspire to have a personal relationship with an idol, whether it be romantic or friendly, often find themselves disillusioned with the nature of these professional relationships, which are far removed from the fantasy fans may have imagined.

In the video, the ex-employee also revealed another surprising aspect of the K-pop industry’s behind-the-scenes operations—staff members creating anonymous accounts to closely monitor fan communities. These anonymous accounts allow the staff to blend into fan spaces, where they track conversations, trends, and public sentiment surrounding their idols. By immersing themselves in fan discussions, the staff can gain valuable insights into how the public perceives the idols and the company itself. Even when fans use coded language or indirect expressions to talk about their favorite idols, staff members are skilled at interpreting and following these conversations closely, often to better understand the public mood and adjust their strategies accordingly.

The ex-employee’s testimony offers a stark contrast to the image that the K-pop industry often projects to the outside world. While fans often view idols as larger-than-life figures, adored by millions, and the companies behind them as glamorous, the reality for those working behind the scenes is one of long hours, mental strain, and intense pressure. The demands placed on employees are often overwhelming, and the personal sacrifices required to work in this industry can be immense.

Despite the challenges, the former staff member emphasized that the passion for art and dedication to the artists is what keeps people going. However, the toll this industry takes on its employees is undeniable. For those who are interested in working in the K-pop industry, her message is clear: it’s not for the faint of heart. The industry requires immense dedication, resilience, and the ability to deal with the challenges that come with working in such a high-pressure environment.

Overall, her video has brought much-needed attention to the difficult realities of working behind the scenes in the K-pop industry. By revealing these hidden aspects, she has sparked important conversations about the sacrifices and challenges faced by those who contribute to the success of K-pop idols and the entertainment companies that support them. The public’s newfound awareness of these issues could pave the way for a broader discussion on work-life balance, mental health, and the treatment of employees in the entertainment industry, not only in South Korea but around the world.