A new investigative book is shining a spotlight on the hidden realities of K-pop, revealing how the industry's globally celebrated system exacts a heavy toll on young performers.

The book, "K-pop, Idols in Wonderland," is written by journalist Jeon Da-hyeon and examines the structural contradictions of Korea's idol-making system. It draws on interviews with more than 40 insiders, including trainees, idols, producers, agency heads, critics, lawyers, lawmakers and fans.

The hidden cost of K-pop's global success

At first glance, the system resembles a rigorous arts education -- selecting talented youth early, providing training in singing, dancing and stage performance, and managing them under tightly organized programs. But Jeon argues that beneath the polish lies an exploitative structure.

The book points to similarities between idol training and authoritarian cultural institutions, such as North Korea's Moranbong Band recruitment process. Unlike communist states that lack the maturity to produce global cultural products, Korea's model functions by confining minors within a system under the guise of professionalism, Jeon writes.

Testimonies of exploitation

The book includes stark accounts from industry insiders. One agency official claims, "Eight out of 10 female trainees stop menstruating," citing extreme diet controls that damage their bodies. Cosmetic surgery pushed through "gaslighting" leaves some trainees unable to recognize their own faces, while physical disabilities are not uncommon. Education is routinely sacrificed, with public schooling abandoned for training schedules.

Even for those who debut and achieve fame, the book notes, only a small fraction gain genuine power within the industry.

Toward change

In its final chapters, the book highlights unfair settlement practices in exclusive contracts and the growing problems of malicious comments and reverse viral campaigns. Jeon calls for stronger legal safeguards to ensure a safe environment for idols and trainees, who are neither employees, partners nor independent contractors but occupy a vulnerable in-between space.

'8 out of 10 female trainees stop menstruating': new book reveals dark side of K-pop - The Korea Times