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{{Short description|Type of South Korean musical celebrity}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
[[File: 2023 MMA IVE.jpg|thumb|Girl idol group [[Ive (group)|Ive]], signed under [[Starship Entertainment]]]]
An '''idol''' ({{korean|hangul=아이돌|rr=Aidol}}) refers to a type of celebrity working in the field of [[K-pop]] in [[fandom culture in South Korea]], either as a member of a group or as a solo act. K-pop idols
==History==
▲An '''idol''' ({{korean|hangul=아이돌|rr=Aidol}}) refers to a type of celebrity working in the field of [[K-pop]] in [[fandom culture in South Korea]], either as a member of a group or as a solo act. K-pop idols<ref>{{Cite web |last=globe |first=the entertainment |date=22 March 2023 |title=THE EVOLUTION OF KPOP GROUPS. |url=https://theentertainmentglobe.com/the-evolution-of-kpop-groups-overtime/kpop/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 1, 2023 |website=the entertainment globe}}</ref> are characterized by the highly manufactured star system that they are produced by and debuted under, as well as their tendency to represent a hybridized convergence of visuals, music, fashion, and dance.<ref name=":4">{{Citation|last=Elfving-Hwang|first=Joanna|chapter=K-pop idols, artificial beauty and affective fan relationships in South Korea|date=2018-03-05|pages=190–201|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-315-77677-4|doi=10.4324/9781315776774-12|title=Routledge Handbook of Celebrity Studies}}</ref> They usually work for a mainstream [[talent agent|entertainment agency]] and have undergone extensive training in dance, vocals, and foreign language. Idols maintain a carefully curated public image and social media presence, and dedicate significant time and resources to building relationships with fans through concerts and meetups.<ref name="machine2">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/arts/music/shinee-and-south-korean-k-pop-groups-at-madison-square-garden-review.html|title=Korean Pop Machine, Running on Innocence and Hair Gel|last=Caramanica|first=Jon|date=2011-10-24|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=7 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217224440/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/arts/music/shinee-and-south-korean-k-pop-groups-at-madison-square-garden-review.html?_r=0|archive-date=17 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The New Yorker2">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/10/08/121008fa_fact_seabrook?currentPage=all|title=Cultural technology and the making of K-pop|last=Seabrook|first=John|magazine=The New Yorker|access-date=30 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025125809/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/10/08/121008fa_fact_seabrook?currentPage=all|archive-date=25 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=K-Pop Idol Boy Bands and Manufactured Versatile Masculinity: Making Chogukjeok Boys|last=Sun|first=Jung|publisher=Hong Kong University Press|doi=10.5790/hongkong/9789888028672.001.0001|year = 2010|isbn = 9789888028672}}</ref>
{{main|History of Korean idols}}
==Trainee system==
[[File:Girls' Generation in 2012 K-Pop Collection.jpg|thumb|Part of idol group [[Girls' Generation]], signed under [[SM Entertainment]]]]
Inspired by the heyday of [[MTV]] in the United States, [[Lee Soo-man]], the founder of [[SM Entertainment]] set his sights on laying the foundation for the modern Korean pop music industry. He witnessed [[New Kids on the Block]]
The trainee process lasts for an indefinite period of time, ranging from months to years, and usually involves vocal, dance, and language<ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2959331|title=In any language, JYP spells success on the global stage|publisher=Joong Ang Daily|access-date=30 October 2012|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120917021803/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2959331|archive-date=17 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://digitalwindow.vassar.edu/senior_capstone/149/|title=Catching the K-Pop Wave: Globality in the Production, Distribution, and Consumption of South Korean Popular Music|last=Leung|first=Sarah|publisher=Vassar College|access-date=30 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017105601/http://digitalwindow.vassar.edu/senior_capstone/149/|archive-date=17 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> classes taken while living together with other trainees, who sometimes attend school at the same time. However, some trainees drop out of school to focus on their careers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/korearealtime/2012/05/03/journey-to-k-pop-star-i-am/|title=Journey to K-Pop Star, 'I Am.'|last=Woo|first=Jaeyeon|publisher=Wall Street Journal|access-date=30 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623023352/http://blogs.wsj.com/korearealtime/2012/05/03/journey-to-k-pop-star-i-am/|archive-date=23 June 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The Price of Fame in South Korea2">{{cite news|url=http://www.toonaripost.com/2012/08/entertainment/the-price-of-fame-in-south-korea/|title=The Price of Fame in South Korea|newspaper=Toonari Post|access-date=31 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120903001114/http://www.toonaripost.com/2012/08/entertainment/the-price-of-fame-in-south-korea/|archive-date=3 September 2012}}</ref>
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Once a trainee enters the system, they are regulated in multiple aspects, including personal life, physical condition, and visual appearance. The survival, training, and regulation take precedence over natural talent in the production of Korean idols.<ref name=":4" /> The system requires trainees to maintain a "wholesome image" while remaining "private about their lives and thoughts".<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-10-18|title=The woman who defied the world of K-pop|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50051575|access-date=2020-05-03|archive-date=2019-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019032336/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50051575|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:G-Dragon 2012 4.jpg|thumb|[[Big Bang (South Korean band)|Big Bang]] member, solo singer-songwriter, rapper and producer [[G-Dragon]] is one of the highest-earning Korean idols in the South Korean entertainment industry.]]▼
Former trainees have reported that they were required to go through plastic surgeries, such as a [[Blepharoplasty]] or a [[Rhinoplasty]], in order to adhere to the acceptable [[Korean beauty standards]]. Further criticism towards the trainee system arose regarding the companies' harsh weight restrictions, which often caused trainees to pass out from exhaustion or [[dehydration]] in an attempt to reach the required weight for their desired program.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-02-13|title='I trained as a K-pop idol - here's why I quit'|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-51476159|access-date=2020-05-03|archive-date=2020-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313225712/https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-51476159|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|title=The World Capital of Plastic Surgery|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/03/23/about-face|last=Marx|first=Patricia|magazine=The New Yorker|language=en|access-date=2020-05-03|archive-date=2015-03-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317070705/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/03/23/about-face|url-status=live}}</ref>
The investment
== Personal image ==
▲[[File:G-Dragon 2012 4.jpg|upright|thumb|[[Big Bang (South Korean band)|Big Bang]] member, solo singer-songwriter, rapper and producer [[G-Dragon]] is one of the highest-earning Korean idols in the South Korean entertainment industry.]]
When trainees are finally chosen to debut in new groups, they will face a new set of personalities created by the company to cater to the entertainment market. Each member of an idol group has
==Relationship with fans==
The relationship between Korean idols and their fans can be characterized as "[[parasocial interaction|parasocial]] kin," which means for fans to create a familial connection with their idols rather than just being a "look-from-afar" fan. In some cases, within and outside of fandoms, fans also create familial connections with other fans through similar interests or just to make friends. These interactions can be initiated by the fans, the company, or the idols themselves, where they would most likely still have to go through their company to be approved. Some projects or activities created by fans for the idols must also be approved by the venue or the idols’ company to minimize any harm to the idols and fan participants. Interactions and fan connections can be seen through events like fan meetings, also known as artist engagements, concerts or fan-sites, and artist cafés. An annual event known as KCon is also a place for fans and artists to interact. The nature of this "parasocial kin" relationship can also be seen in the proactive participation of Korean idol fans in the production of idol groups. Even before debut, some trainees would already have their own fans. This leads to the "kinship" starting out early, and building that up is very important for the idol as an artist and the fan as a supporter. Once debuted, fans grow alongside their idols and idol-fan relationships become deeper. If anything happens, fans have their own unique ways to show their attitude and opinion on issues concerning "unfair" actions of management companies. Under this situation, fans often appear to be protecting idols from company mistreatment due to the familial connection built between both sides.<ref name=":2" />
Korean Pop-culture has made a significant impact on the world, creating numerous opportunities for fans to unite and celebrate diversity. Fans have demonstrated their commitment to K-pop idols by taking the initiative to learn the Korean language, often with the help of [[Romanization of Korean|romanization]], to comprehend the
== Working conditions ==
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== Expectation ==
In the Korean entertainment industry, there is a prevailing notion that idols are loyal to their fans. Due to this, many companies have implemented policies that prohibit any sort of dating. The reason for this is that reputation is crucial for idols, and any type of scandal could tarnish and ruin their image and negatively impact their careers. Fans also believe dating may be a hindrance to an idol's success.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hegde |first=Vibha |title=5 reasons K-Pop idols are forbidden from dating |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/5-reasons-k-pop-idols-forbidden-dating |access-date=2023-03-20 |website=www.sportskeeda.com |date=10 August 2021 |language=en-us}}</ref>
By the constitution, military service is mandatory for all males aged between 18 and 35, requiring them to enlist for 18 months. Despite the significant contributions of Korean idols to the country's economy, there are no exceptions made for them. In the past, a former K-pop star, [[Yoo Seung-jun]], attempted to evade military service by obtaining American citizenship. As a result, he was subsequently banned from entering South Korea.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-10-28 |title=K-Pop Legend Who Dodged Military Service Still Banned From South Korea |url=https://nextshark.com/yoo-seung-jun-south-korea-entry-ban-violates-human-rights/ |access-date=2023-03-20 |website=NextShark |language=en}}</ref>
South Korea is still a very conservative country and
== Commercialism ==
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== Reported earnings ==
According to the South Korean National Tax Service, the average annual earnings for a Korean idol in 2013 were KR₩46.74 million (US$42,000). This was
== Recognition ==
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== Accomplishments ==
Over the years, Korean idols have gained fans from all over the world, and many entertainment companies have started to promote their artists and groups internationally. Celebrities like [[Psy|PSY]] hit the top music video viewed on YouTube within 24 hours,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Afzal |date=2023-02-09 |title=15 Most Viewed Youtube Videos In First 24 Hours |url=https://www.newvisiontheatres.com/most-viewed-youtube-videos-in-24-hours |access-date=2023-03-20 |website=New Vision Theatres |language=en-US}}</ref> and groups like [[BTS]] became the first foreign group to perform at the annual Grammys Award show.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yonhap |date=2020-01-27 |title=BTS becomes first K-pop act to perform at Grammys |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200127000175 |access-date=2023-03-20 |website=[[The Korea Herald]] |language=en}}</ref> In 2018, [[Red Velvet (group)|Red Velvet]] performed in [[Pyongyang]], North Korea, and was the first group to do so in 16 years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-01 |title=K-
== Sexualization ==
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Korean idols also frequently wear revealing clothes and dance provocatively in music videos as part of the companies' effort to market idols in multiple ways.<ref>{{Cite book|title=K-Pop: Popular Music, Cultural Amnesia, and Economic Innovation in South Korea|last=Lie|first=John|publisher=University of California Press|year=2015|isbn=978-0-520-28311-4|location=Oakland, CA|pages=10–12}}</ref> In some cases, these efforts have resulted in censorship; for example, "[[Miniskirt (song)|Miniskirt]]" by [[AOA (group)|AOA]] was deemed sexually inappropriate to public TV shows and programs and was unable to be aired until the group modified their outfits and choreography.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Azalea|title=Unfit for Broadcast: The Censorship of K-pop Girl Groups|url=https://apm.iar.ubc.ca/censorship-kpop-girl-groups/|website=The University of British Columbia|publisher=Asia Pacific Memo|access-date=April 1, 2020|archive-date=April 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420064528/https://apm.iar.ubc.ca/censorship-kpop-girl-groups/|url-status=live}}</ref>
This sexualization has also led to a notion of conformity in idol acceptance. Idols that do not perform in a sexually appealing way to their targeted demographic have been harassed; for example, [[Amber Liu (singer)|Amber Liu]] has received criticism for her androgynous appearance and disregard for gender norms.<ref>{{cite web|last=Whipple|first=Kelsey|title=Amber Liu: An Androgynous K-pop Star|url=https://www.laweekly.com/amber-liu-an-androgynous-k-pop-star/|website=LA Weekly|date=7 November 2013
==See also==
{{Portal|Pop music|South Korea}}
* [[Fandom culture in South Korea]]▼
* [[Impact and popularity of K-pop]]
* [[Korean Wave]]
* [[List of South Korean girl groups]]▼
* [[List of South Korean idol groups]]
* [[List of South Korean boy bands]]
▲* [[List of South Korean girl groups]]
▲* [[Fandom culture in South Korea]]
* [[Korean idols in advertising]]
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