I’m aware there are many newer groups out there with similar situations. I’m using H2H as an example because I just came across a video that said the group only has one member who graduated high school out of eight. Carmen, the Indonesian member, is the only one. Then you have Stella, who dropped out of high school, and the remaining six all dropped out of middle school. That’s six out of eight who didn’t even finish middle school. Like what?
Being an idol may last seven to ten years at best (assuming they are successful), which is only a small fraction of one’s entire life. Sacrificing nearly a decade of youth without receiving compulsory education or basic schooling just for that brief burst of fame feels so problematic. Without fundamental knowledge, formative school experiences, and the social and historical awareness gained during those years, you’re at risk of missing out on the very foundation that shapes a well-rounded person. Without minimal education, it WILL cause serious issues later in adult life.
I used to think all idols should graduate high school. I don’t even expect that anymore. At the very least, completing middle school should be essential, since it not only covers academics but also teaches how to build relationships among peers, interact socially, and develop crucial common sense. I know that being an idol relies heavily on things like looks, talent, and charisma, but even all of those things can be overshadowed by a single careless remark or uninformed action that can cause irreparable damages to your image and career, things proper education helps prevent.
I’ve seen people online dismiss this issue with comments like, “Who cares? They’re going to make more money than the average person ever will,” or “Jealous fans are just pretending to care.” But if you’re truly a fan, this is exactly the kind of thing you should be concerned about for your favorite artist. And let’s be realistic here. Most groups don’t end up wildly successful. The ones you see making headlines are only the lucky select few. What about all the trainees and idols who sacrifice their entire youth chasing this dream, only to end up in their mid-twenties with no savings and no education or skills to fall back on in Korea’s hyper-competitive society? Who’s gonna take responsibility for them? The labels? Hell no.
The labels and parents who enable this are mostly at fault here, but fans who accept this as the “norm” aren’t helping either. I just hope it doesn’t get to the point where people become so desensitized that no one cares anymore. Wait, now that I think about it, I think it already has…
submitted by /u/Organic-Cranberry955
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