Ex-Girl Group Member Alleges 'Sugar Daddy' Phenomenon in K-Pop

A former member of the girl group AriaZ, identified as Hyokyoung, has come forward with serious allegations regarding the existence of "sugar daddies" within the K-pop industry. In a YouTube video posted on her channel 'HYOKEY,' Hyokyoung shared her experiences and observations, stating her intention to prevent similar harm from befalling others.

“

I had many concerns about bringing up this story, but I wanted to share it in the hope that the same harm would not be repeated.

She recounted witnessing situations where a girl group member from a small agency, despite lacking exceptional talent, consistently secured prominent parts and center positions due to a relationship with the much older agency CEO. Rumors of their relationship were reportedly widespread within the industry.

Hyokyoung also extended these concerns beyond idol groups, mentioning similar situations faced by trainees and aspiring actors. She shared a disturbing incident where a friend, after being cut from a trainee list, was contacted by a high-ranking official from the company. The official's inappropriate behavior during a meeting led the friend to call her parents for help, ultimately causing her to abandon her dream of becoming an idol.

“

A member of a girl group belonging to a small agency was dating an agency CEO who was much older than her, but she always took the most parts and stood in the center even though she wasn't talented.

Furthermore, Hyokyoung detailed her own experience after her group disbanded and she ventured into acting. She was offered a leading role in a film that included an explicit shower scene. She stated that she did not pursue acting to perform such scenes and declined the offer. She attributed these exploitative situations to the financial vulnerability of unemployed or struggling idols and trainees.

“

This kind of thing doesn't just happen to idols; it happens similarly to trainees and new actors.

Having left the entertainment industry, Hyokyoung now works as a vocal coach. She expressed pride in her current life, despite its modest nature and financial concerns, finding strength and fulfillment in her chosen path. She clarified that her allegations were not related to her former agency, stating that the CEO there did not engage in such practices and that she had apologized to him for any misunderstanding caused by her video.

“

I didn't learn acting to do things like that.