The Idol Paradox: Balancing Authenticity and Image in the K-Pop Industry
- Late June
- Nov 4, 2024
- 3 min read
Subjectivity refers to an individual’s ability, influence, personal perspective, and role in the process of practice—marked by autonomy, initiative, agency, freedom, and purpose. In the increasingly industrialized and streamlined world of K-pop, idols appear to need neither extraordinary talent nor charisma, as meticulous packaging by entertainment companies takes care of everything. But can this unstoppable trend of K-pop industrialization truly sustain the longevity of K-pop, a cultural hallmark of South Korea?
In a previous article, we explored feminism within K-pop. The idols and music presented by the K-pop industry as commodities communicate different levels of subject-object relationships depending on audience demographics and market saturation. Female idols and solo artists often attempt to strike a balance between their personal subjectivity and the objectification required by their roles. But is subjectivity genuinely necessary for an idol’s career?
Subjectivity is a complex concept. When it surfaces in an idol’s professional persona, an appropriate amount of individuality can enhance the charm of the carefully crafted public image that sustains their career.
Take HyunA, a quintessential example. Since her debut, HyunA has been synonymous with sensuality, embodying an objectified image as a gaze-attracting sex symbol—an ideal fit for her public persona. However, HyunA occasionally showcases her subjectivity in her comebacks. In her solo track RED, the repeated refrain, “Red is HyunA,” uses the color red as a bold statement of her signature flamboyance. Similarly, in I’m the Best, she takes on the role of a proud queen, asserting that being sensual does not mean lacking agency or independent thought. HyunA effectively merges objectivity and subjectivity, making her a magnetic paradox. Her sensuality feels neither cheap nor submissive but instead fierce, intentional, and empowering. Her ability to integrate personal subjectivity with professional persona positively impacts her career and image.
However, there are also instances where the attempt to reconcile persona and subjectivity fails—sometimes catastrophically.
The Tragic Case of Sulli
When subjectivity enters idols’ off-camera lives, defiant personal expressions can shatter the illusion of their professional persona. Sulli’s story serves as a cautionary example. In the years leading up to her tragic passing, she sought to break away from the objectified role of an idol. Sulli publicly dated a rapper 14 years her senior, livestreamed herself drinking, and advocated for no-bra practices, arguing for the health benefits for women. These actions defied the boundaries of what society considered acceptable for idols, challenging the long-held image of Sulli as a soft and delicate “human peach.”
Her unconventional actions were genuine attempts to express her individuality and subjectivity. Yet, the sheer weight of public scrutiny eroded her dignity, leaving her personal strength vulnerable. Before she could fully evolve into a self-realized individual, the relentless gaze of the masses consumed her.
Sulli’s story is deeply tragic. She represents a failed attempt to reconcile personal subjectivity with a professional persona. The entertainment company that managed her career had stifled her individuality and ideas with a one-dimensional packaging strategy. Sulli, a free-spirited individual with independent thoughts and the courage to act on them, was ahead of her time. In an era less accepting of subjectivity in idols, societal perceptions lagged far behind her progressive ideals. Her choices, in many ways, sealed her fate.
Lisa and the Crazy Horse Controversy
Another recent example of such a failure is Lisa from BLACKPINK. The controversy surrounding her performance at the Crazy Horse cabaret in Paris invited harsh criticism, with some accusing her of “betraying Asian women.” Since her debut, Lisa’s public persona has been that of a sweet and optimistic girl, exuding positivity and resilience in the face of challenges. Her achievements have solidified her as a global star, capable of making more impactful choices rooted in positive subjectivity.
Yet her decision to perform at Crazy Horse—a venue with strong objectifying undertones—was seen as a surrender to the racialized capitalist gaze of Western markets. Each recent choice Lisa has made reflects her ambition to integrate into the Western entertainment world, but the disconnect between her K-pop persona and the demands of the Western market has alienated many fans. For some, her choices indicate a lack of understanding or empathy for societal contexts, particularly regarding issues affecting women.
Lisa’s actions bring us back to a larger question: How can idols strike the perfect balance between their crafted persona and their subjectivity? From an idol’s perspective, should they strive to express their subjectivity while dedicating themselves fully to embodying each comeback concept?
The Future of K-Pop: Persona Meets Authenticity
As outsiders to the industry, it is difficult to provide a definitive answer. Personas are essential for idols, but only those that are dynamic and authentic can sustain long-term careers. The challenge for entertainment companies lies in finding a way to organically merge an idol’s persona with their subjectivity. This integration may well be the key to ensuring K-pop’s future vitality.
Edited by Eun Chi and P-Jang
Translated from Chinese, first posted on our Official Account:
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