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K-Pop Contracts: Young Stars' Dreams Turn to Nightmares
8 Nov
Summary
- Contracts stripped minors of standard government protections for rest and education.
- Teenage members rehearsed until 2 a.m. under constant camera surveillance.
- Four of the five members dropped out of school due to rigorous training schedules.
Child stardom, long associated with exploitation, continues to cast a shadow in various global entertainment industries, including K-pop. Investigations into the blockbuster group NewJeans revealed a pattern of mistreatment under their former label, Hybe. The group's contracts, which controlled nearly every aspect of their lives, were deemed exploitative by many.
A court ruling in March 2025 ordered the members back to Hybe, despite their claims of mistreatment and years of arduous training. These contracts notably removed standard South Korean government clauses designed to protect minors, including guarantees for adequate rest, mental health support, and education. The young stars often rehearsed until 2 a.m. daily under constant surveillance.
Four of the five members of NewJeans were compelled to drop out of school to accommodate their demanding schedules. Even when one parent raised concerns about the severe contract terms, the label refused significant alterations, leaving them with a take-it-or-leave-it choice. This situation underscores the immense pressure and potential costs, both physical and mental, faced by young individuals pursuing careers in the highly competitive entertainment world.
