Exploitation Structures within the K-Pop Industry Exposed, Including Sexual Crimes and Health Harm Against Minor Idols

Structural problems within the K-Pop industry are coming to light internationally. In Japan, sexual crime cases involving minor idols have been uncovered, while in South Korea, a new book that details the exploitative nature of idol training systems was published, revealing the grim realities of the industry. According to Japanese media outlets on the 18th, Hiroshi Torimaru, 39, the head of the Japanese entertainment agency “Go Little by Little,” was arrested by police on charges of violating child welfare laws. Torimaru is accused of using his position as leader from April 2021 to October 2022 to summon a then-15-year-old idol singer to a hotel in Tokyo and engage in obscene acts with her on 12 occasions. The victim, identified as A, is now 20 years old and filed a complaint at a police station in March, stating that she was sexually assaulted by the agency head since she was 15. According to police investigations, Torimaru lured A to the hotel under the pretext of taking photos for sale to fans, then threatened her that she would be unable to continue her idol career if she refused his demands, and committed sexual crimes. A told the police, “It was mentally painful to be taken to the hotel, but I really loved being an idol and wanted to continue, so I couldn’t refuse the head’s requests. I thought I wouldn’t be able to keep doing idol activities if I refused.” What is even more shocking is Torimaru’s defense. During police questioning, although he admitted part of the crime, he claimed it was “serious dating” and argued that it is common in this industry for leaders and idols to have relationships. Such statements caused a huge shock in Japanese society. The police seized Torimaru’s mobile phone and are investigating whether there are other victims. This case, following incidents such as former Japanese idol group Smap member Masahiro Nakai and others allegedly being forced to pay sexual favors to a Fuji TV announcer at the end of last year, once again exposes the ugly truths of Japan’s entertainment world. Meanwhile, in South Korea, a new book addressing the problems in the K-Pop industry has generated significant attention. titled “K-Pop, Idols of a Wonderland,” it is a work that uncovers the structural contradictions in South Korea’s idol production system. The book was written based on interviews with over 40 insiders from the industry, including minor trainees, idols, producers, agency heads, critics, legal experts, politicians, and fans. Its main content exposes the exploitative nature of the K-Pop idol production system in stark detail. One agency official testified that “8 out of 10 female trainees stop menstruating,” indicating severe physical damage caused by extreme diet control. The book also points out that some trainees lose recognition of their own faces due to “gaslighting” involving forced breast surgery, and that physical disabilities are common. Formal education is often sacrificed due to training schedules, and formal schooling is frequently given up. Journalist Jeon Dahyuk compares the K-Pop idol training system to the recruitment process of North Korea’s Moranbong Band, describing it as an authoritarian cultural institution. Unlike communist countries, he explains, South Korea’s system functions by locking minors into a closed system under the guise of professionalism. Even among those who succeed in debuting and gain fame, only a very small number hold real power within the industry. The book emphasizes in its final chapter the issues of unfair settlement practices in exclusive contracts, an increase in malicious comments, and reverse virality campaigns. Jeon calls for stronger legal protections to ensure the safety of idols and trainees, noting that they exist in a vulnerable intermediate status — neither employees nor partners nor independent contractors. South Korea’s public broadcaster MBN even canceled the controversial minor idol audition show “UNDER15.”