Kpop is one of the biggest genres in the world, and there are bound to be people who hate it.
Why do people hate Kpop, and also why should they not hate on it so much?
One is free to hate on something, but this article will talk about this topic.
The Fanbase / Stans In Kpop Can Be Tough
Let’s begin with the fanbase.
It’s no secret at this point that Kpop fanbases can be so toxic online.
It is seen on the Internet and in real life.
One could give an honest critique on Kpop, providing legitimate reasons on why they like or don’t like a song.
However, one might still get comments.
Perhaps that’s why most YouTube channels that react to Kpop music are overly positive.
Do 100% of them like all the songs they’re asked to react to?
That is statistically improbable.
But they do what pleases the fans.
Because of this loud minority of fans, people get very turned off towards this genre of music.
If these acts have such toxic fans, why would one want to join this group by listening to them, let alone enjoy their music?
Fortunately, there is a simple tip to counter this shared later on.
The Kpop Genre’s Unhealthy Obsession With Visuals
Let’s now transition to the toxic practices or traditions in Kpop.
Now look, every genre has its share of toxic practices or traditions.
Rap has been criticised for having lyrics that are about gang violence, misogyny, and substance abuse.
Back to Kpop, the music labels can be so toxic.
First of all, there is so much emphasis on the body.
Yes, these idols should look visually presentable because it’s what sells, but there doesn’t seem to be a genre that focuses so heavily on visuals.
Plastic surgery is a common practice.
Many idols are underweight.
Look at Momo from TWICE.
She had to lose 7 kg in 7 days before a shoot.
Momo ate nothing, exercised a lot, and thought an ice cube would make her gain weight.
Unfortunately, it’s not just the girls.
Male Kpop idols in groups like BTS, EXO, and Stray Kids are really shredded.
However, they are really underweight, and having such a low body percentage is unsustainable unless maintaining such a physique is part of your job.
Do not forget the fans who would criticise idols who gain weight.
Come on, Joy from Red Velvet isn’t fat.
If anything, she’s of a healthy weight.
But an acceptable weight is unacceptable to them.
As painful as it might be, fans believe that if their body proportions are not like their idols, then they’re not attractive.
At this point, it’s in the idols’ job scope to train intensively to get such a physique.
The Industry’s Notoriously Intensive Training Sessions
Earlier on, there was the aspect of maintaining an insanely shredded physique.
But how about the fact that, since auditioning, trainees go through an air-tight schedule?
Trainees would learn three languages, then sing, then dance, then wake up and do it again for years.
Even after all this, they might not even debut.
When people look at it that way, they would be disgusted by the culture of Korean idol music.
Why would they enjoy the music, knowing of the harmful practices done to get to this point?
And those are the reasons why people might hate Kpop, which some can relate to.
Now, just because someone likes certain Kpop music doesn’t mean they ignore the bad parts of it.
However, let’s now explain it might not be wise to hate too much on it.
How To Counter The Toxic Fanbase?
Now, about the toxic fanbases, a simple way to avoid them is to just not engage with them online.
Woah, one just needs to switch off their phone and the problem’s solved?
Okay, here are the few no-go criteria for me.
Don’t join any Discord servers or follow Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook pages related to Kpop.
Just enjoy the music.
One would definitely hate Kpop if they focus so much on the toxic arguments online, so just stay away from them, and it would be fine.
But what if one wants to find people who enjoy Kpop music as much as they do?
It is painful not to be able to find like-minded people to share one’s love for it, or discuss deeply into the music.
Well, just find these people in real life.
By asking around one’s personal circle, they would come across people who enjoy the genre.
After all, Kpop is one of the biggest genres right now.
One would realise that people who enjoy Kpop music aren’t as obsessed as they see online.
People are also unwilling to start being toxic in real life compared to online.
So there, fixed it.
How To Live With The Toxic Practices In Kpop?
Okay, how about the other issue of the toxic culture?
When it comes to one’s body, don’t look at Korean idols as the textbook answer.
This isn’t some body positivity thing, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world if one doesn’t have their physique.
It’s fine to gain motivation from these celebrities.
People out there are following a workout routine inspired by Brad Pitt from Fight Club.
Just find a diet and workout routine that’s sustainable.
Go easy so as to make it a habit, and then use progressive overload as time passes.
As long as one is of a healthy weight, they would be fine.
Once again, do not aim to have the body of a Kpop idol.
That is unsustainable.
On the other hand, be supportive of Korean idols, even if they gain weight and don’t look as attractive as they could potentially be.
After Jeongyeon from TWICE took medication pills for months, she gained a lot of weight.
She isn’t as slim as before.
Fortunately, her fans said she still looks great.
The point is not to be part of the group of people who flame idols for gaining a bit of weight.
And that’s how one doesn’t hate on Kpop.
Be supportive of the celebrities.
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