Kpop, Kdrama, and anime really influenced Western perspectives on East Asia.

I feel like I get most of my knowledge of South Korea from Kpop, and that alone is enough to see how dystopian it is.

Idols are dehumanized and treated as commodities. They’re overworked, starved, and heavily scrutinized starting at a very young age all while being separated from their family. Many trainees also can’t quit because they will owe a debt to the company for their training. Even trainees who debut don’t get paid until they pay the company back for their training.

I understand no one is forced to be an idol and it’s actually mostly made up of kids from wealthy families, but it’s still a brutal industry. When even the glamorous celebrities are worked to the bone, life must be so much harder for everyone else.

People who say that only get their knowledge of that country from Kpop and Kdramas.

reactionary industries which are hubs of human trafficking and SA btw. great place to get your knowledge and respect for a whole country from