(G)I-DLE’s leader, Soyeon, has found herself at the center of a heated online debate after past comments she made regarding K-Pop idol dating culture resurfaced. Her unexpectedly frank remarks, delivered during a variety show appearance alongside SE SO NEON‘s Soyoon, are now drawing significant attention and sparking intense discussions among Korean netizens.
In the resurfaced clip, Soyeon reflected on the often-restrictive expectations placed upon idols, even concerning behaviors that are neither illegal nor morally reprehensible. She used smoking as an example before delving into the sensitive topic of romantic relationships:
“One of the things people think is bad but isn’t… Is like smoking. Smoking isn’t illegal. Adults can smoke, adults can drink. In idol culture… There are things you’re just not supposed to do… Like dating,” she explained.
SE SO NEON’s Soyoon echoed this sentiment, expressing her own bewilderment at the dating taboo within the industry:
“Dating is honestly the weirdest one to me,” she responded.
Soyeon then offered her personal perspective, stating a seemingly liberal view:
“But I think it’s fine. If someone wants to date, they should,” she said.
Soyoon further elaborated on the inherent naturalness of love and relationships, questioning why idols are still expected to conceal them
“But when you think about it on a broader level… Loving someone… is part of why we’re born… Loving is as natural as eating or breathing. But idols still can’t openly do it.”
However, Soyeon then presented a more pragmatic and perhaps controversial viewpoint, acknowledging the potential repercussions of public relationships for idols.
” It’s not that they can’t… Honestly they don’t have to hide it. However, if they don’t hide it they need to be prepared for the consequences.”
She further emphasized the difficulty of balancing a romantic relationship with maintaining a dedicated fanbase:
“Someone wants to keep their fans’ hearts while also dating. I don’t think that’s possible. [Host: It’s selfish.] It really is selfish.”
Soyeon’s nuanced yet blunt perspective has ignited a flurry of reactions from netizens. Many have voiced their agreement with the harsh realities of the idol industry that she highlighted.
One netizen commented,
“Fans are the same. If you’re going to stop being a fan just because an idol is dating, then that was the extent of your feelings to begin with. Just move on, find someone else to support, or focus on your own life. There’s no need to hate, mock, or act like idols dating is some kind of crime.”
Another offered a generational perspective, stating,
“Well, that kind of reaction is mostly from teenagers… Do full-grown adults really act like that? If adults do it too, that’s honestly just disappointing.”
However, others presented a more pragmatic view from the perspective of fans and the competitive nature of the industry. One netizen argued,
“This is so true. The idol industry is legendary. This is a red ocean, full of people who are all outstanding in looks, talent, and fan service. If A and B are equal in all those aspects, but A is dating and B isn’t? Most people are naturally going to lean toward liking B.”
Finally, another commenter pointed out the responsibility of idols in managing their public image:
“If they were super careful but still got caught, then that’s just unfortunate but it can’t be helped. But if they were dropping hints everywhere and posting lovestagram, then honestly, they brought it on themselves”
Soyeon’s unexpected and candid comments have undoubtedly struck a chord with many, reopening the ever-present debate surrounding idol dating culture.
What are your thoughts on k-pop idols dating? Should they be openly allowed to date? Let us know in the comment section below!
