cover of episode Who’s got the power? K-pop stars, their label, or their fans?

Who’s got the power? K-pop stars, their label, or their fans?

2024/12/6
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What in the World
People
F
Fan Wang
J
Julie Yoon Yong Lee
M
Mark Savage
Topics
主持人Hannah Gelbart介绍了K-pop偶像面临的严格控制和NewJeans与经纪公司ADOR和HYBE的冲突。记者Fan Wang详细阐述了NewJeans与经纪公司的纠纷，包括NewJeans的指控、ADOR的回应以及由此引发的法律诉讼。BBC音乐记者Mark Savage分析了NewJeans离开经纪公司后可能面临的法律和经济风险，包括能否保留音乐和名称以及巨额违约金。一位澳大利亚听众Argus表达了对年轻偶像签约合同的伦理担忧。K-pop专家Julie Yoon Yong Lee探讨了粉丝在K-pop产业中的巨大影响力，以及这种影响力对偶像的双重作用，既能提供支持，也可能造成侵犯隐私。 Fan Wang详细介绍了NewJeans的成功和她们与经纪公司ADOR和HYBE之间持续的冲突。她解释了NewJeans提出的多项指控，包括被忽视、不尊重和职场骚扰。她还描述了ADOR和HYBE的回应，以及双方之间的法律纠纷。Fan Wang还讨论了RIIZE成员Seung Geun因争议照片和视频而面临粉丝强烈抵制，最终离开组合的事件。 Mark Savage分析了NewJeans与HYBE之间的法律纠纷，指出该案件可能需要数年时间才能解决，在此期间New Jeans可能无法录制或推广新音乐。他解释了如果法院判决HYBE有过错，NewJeans成员将能够离开公司，甚至可能保留乐队名称。但如果判决对NewJeans不利，他们可能面临巨额违约金。 Argus的来信表达了对K-pop行业中年轻偶像与经纪公司签订合同的伦理担忧，指出这些偶像在签订合同时可能未成年，容易受到操纵。 Julie Yoon Yong Lee指出粉丝是K-pop产业的关键驱动力，他们通过购买专辑、社交媒体宣传等方式对偶像的成功起着至关重要的作用。她认为粉丝既是支持者，也是利益相关者，他们的意见会影响经纪公司的决策。她还指出，强大的粉丝群体对偶像来说是一把双刃剑，既能提供支持，也可能造成侵犯隐私。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why do K-pop agencies exert such strict control over their idols?

K-pop agencies control idols to maintain a perfect image for fans, crucial in a hierarchical society and a multi-billion dollar industry. Loss of control risks financial loss.

What are the potential consequences for New Jeans if they leave their agency HYBE?

If HYBE is found at fault, New Jeans can keep their name and music. If not, they face a $440 million penalty and may be unable to record or promote new music for 2-3 years.

How do K-pop fans influence the industry and their idols?

Fans are key to an idol's success, buying albums, promoting on social media, and influencing charts. They can lobby agencies for better idol treatment but can also be invasive.

What happened when Seung Geun from Riize faced fan backlash?

Seung Geun went on hiatus after controversial pre-debut photos leaked. Despite initial support, he faced protests and eventually left the group to pursue a solo career.

What are the allegations against HYBE and Adore by New Jeans?

New Jeans accuse HYBE and Adore of mistreatment, disrespect, and manipulation, including workplace harassment and attempts to downplay their record sales.

How might public disputes like New Jeans' affect K-pop industry practices?

Such disputes may lead to better protections and working conditions if artists succeed post-conflict, signaling a need for change. If not, it may reinforce the status quo.

Chapters
K-pop group NewJeans announced their departure from their agency, Adore, citing mistreatment and manipulation. The situation involves multiple allegations, a legal dispute, and uncertainty about the group's future, including the rights to their name and music.
  • NewJeans accused Adore of mistreatment and manipulation.
  • The group's contract with Adore runs until 2029.
  • A legal dispute is underway to determine the validity of the contract.
  • The potential financial penalties for NewJeans leaving early could be significant.

Shownotes Transcript

K-pop girl group NewJeans announced they were leaving their record label during an emergency press conference last week. This follows months of public disagreements between the label, the band, and fans. But the group is tied into a contract until 2029. So, what happens now?

Our reporter, Fan Wang, breaks it all down and the BBC’s Music Correspondent, Mark Savage, helps us with the question on everyone’s lips… if they do leave their agency do they get to keep their music and their name?

We also talk about Riize. One of it’s members has recently left the bans after fan backlash. We take a look at how much power K-pop fans have over their idols with Julie Yoonnyung Lee, our resident K-pop expert.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison, Emily Horler and Emilia Jansson Editor: Verity Wilde