Ex-K-Pop Idol Alleges 'Sugar Daddy' Exploitation in Music Industry

A former member of the K-pop girl group AriaZ, identified as Hyogyeong, has ignited a firestorm by alleging widespread exploitation within the idol industry, particularly concerning 'sugar daddy' arrangements. In a recent YouTube video, Hyogyeong detailed her experiences and observations during her time as an idol, painting a disturbing picture of the pressures and compromises faced by aspiring artists.

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I saw quite shocking situations directly when I was active as an idol.

Hyogyeong claims that within one agency, a girl group member who was not particularly talented consistently secured center positions and prominent singing parts due to a relationship with the company's CEO. These rumors, she stated, were pervasive within the industry and reached her directly. She further asserted that such exploitation is not limited to established idols but also affects trainees and rookie actors, who are often approached with inappropriate propositions after being cut from training programs.

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A girl group member in one agency was dating a CEO much older than her, and even though she wasn't talented, she always got the most parts and was the center.

Adding a personal and shocking dimension to her exposé, Hyogyeong revealed that after deciding to pursue acting, she was offered a leading role in a film. However, upon reviewing the script, she discovered it contained explicit scenes, including a shower scene as her very first on-screen appearance. As a newcomer, she felt she had little choice but to consider such compromising offers.

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The reason why nameless idols or trainees are easily exposed to these situations is because their inability to earn money is exploited.

Hyogyeong attributes the vulnerability of many aspiring artists to their financial struggles. "The reason why nameless idols or trainees are easily exposed to these situations is because their inability to earn money is exploited," she explained. She shared her own experience of receiving her first settlement after two and a half years of activity, only to find it consisted entirely of debt. This, she concluded, leads to idols being treated more like possessions than professionals. The revelations from Hyogyeong shed a harsh light on the darker side of the seemingly glamorous K-pop industry, raising critical questions about ethical practices and the well-being of young artists.

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Idols are treated like property, not as a profession.