21/02/2025
The Dark Side of Being a New Gen K-Pop Idol
The K-Pop industry is fiercely competitive, and not every trainee makes it. Those who do face immense pressure and towering expectations. Many fans feel the K-Pop scene has grown more toxic, as certain die-hard supporters go to extremes to express disappointment when their idols fall short of perfection.
Increasingly, these new generation idols have to apologize publicly for the most mundane matters. From not knowing a particular dish to messing up an older group’s choreography, the pressure to appear flawless is real, even though these idols are ordinary young people at the end of the day.
Table of Contents
Over-Apologizing for Small Mistakes
In previous generations, idols weren’t scrutinized for every small misstep. These days, a missed dance step or a question about traditional food can lead to month-long dramas. Fans sometimes forget that idols are still human beings who can’t be expected to know everything.
Minji and the Kalguksu Controversy
In January 2024, NewJeans’ Minji felt the full brunt of this scrutiny for not knowing what kalguksu (a common Korean knife-cut noodle dish) was. The incident actually happened in 2023, during a broadcast where she casually asked, “What is kalguksu?” Since Minji is a picky eater, she was unfamiliar with the dish and didn’t expect her offhand question to spark a year-long controversy.
Netizens criticized her for being un-Korean or “too privileged,” even claiming she grew up overseas. Eventually, Minji released a public apology and clarifications, insisting she was simply unsure about the food’s texture. Many international fans considered the entire saga ridiculous, but it underscored how high fans’ expectations can be.
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Danielle Singing a BTS Track
In February 2025, NewJeans’ Danielle was streaming music with her sister and started singing along to Coldplay’s “My Universe” (featuring BTS). This simple moment triggered a backlash, garnering over 100,000 views on an online forum. Critics argued she shouldn’t have supported BTS due to their then-ongoing lawsuit with HYBE.
Others felt skipping the track would have been even more awkward. Regardless, the situation highlighted how every action by an idol could be turned into a public controversy these days.
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KickFlip’s Choreography Mishap
At the end of January 2025, JYP’s new boy group KickFlip had to apologize for not perfectly covering TWICE’s “Cheer Up” choreography. Some extreme TWICE fans were reportedly furious the group didn’t give the iconic dance its proper due. In response, KickFlip repeatedly apologized—even though many fans, including their own, felt it was completely unnecessary.
The boys admitted they felt nervous and unprepared to dance older songs they didn’t grow up with. The entire apology came off as excessive, leading fans to blame both JYP Entertainment and extremist fans for forcing them into such a situation.
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WOOAH’s ISAC Gift Controversy
In August 2024, WOOAH faced a different type of backlash at the Idol Star Athletics Championships (ISAC). While many groups prepared extravagant gifts for fans, some fans felt WOOAH’s offerings fell short. The original online post claimed the group handed out fewer meals and reused photo cards.
Wooyeon ended up apologizing on behalf of the group, though fans argued the agency should have taken responsibility. This is yet another example of idols bearing the brunt of criticism for management’s shortcomings.
Dating Scandals in the New Gen
Dating in K-Pop has always been controversial, but the newer generations face even more intense scrutiny. Fans develop deep parasocial bonds with idols, and any sign of a relationship is viewed by some as a personal betrayal. Idols often issue public apologies—even for mere rumors—to appease fans.
In December 2024, aespa’s Winter and ENHYPEN’s Jungwon found themselves in a whirlwind of accusations. Despite both agencies denying any romance, some fans were furious and took to harassing Winter in public.
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Winter & Jungwon Scandal
Videos circulated of angry individuals cursing at Winter outside a hotel in Shanghai, blaming her for a rumor that was never even confirmed. SM Entertainment hinted at an attempted blackmail scandal behind the scenes, pointing to how extreme some “fans” have become. The location leak also fueled concerns over idol safety and privacy.
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RIIZE’s Seunghan Leaves Group
RIIZE’s Seunghan is a prime example of how dating rumors or personal lifestyle choices can end a career. Leaked photos of him allegedly kissing someone and smoking led to massive fan outrage and petitions both for and against him. Ultimately, Seunghan left the group and SM Entertainment, showcasing just how unforgiving the current environment can be.
Conclusion
With heightened social media scrutiny and extremist fan reactions, new gen K-Pop idols find themselves constantly on edge. Public apologies for the smallest missteps have become the norm. What was once a fun, vibrant community now sometimes feels like a toxic landscape of relentless judgment.
Whether this phase will pass or intensify remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: these young stars deserve the right to be human—free to make mistakes, learn, and grow without the burden of constant fear. After all, they’re only human, too.
