What K-pop singer Goo Hara’s death tells us about the pressure faced by female Korean musical stars

Goo’s death came less than two months after that of Choi Jin-ri, or Sulli, another K-pop star

Both Goo and Choi faced harassment from the public and media throughout their careers, which took a toll on their mental health

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Goo Hara. The K-pop singer’s death has prompted renewed talk about the dark side of the Korean pop music industry, and the pressure that entertainers, especially female stars, face.

Published: 10:00pm, 30 Nov 2019Updated: 10:00pm, 30 Nov 2019

The K-pop industry is known to have strict rules for its stars – including dating bans, spartan training regimens and diets, and sometimes slave-like and unfair contracts. But, say experts, the industry has additional requirements for its female artists – unspoken rules that are reflective of South Korea’s patriarchal society.

This increased pressure faced by female K-pop stars was again highlighted this week when South Korean singer and actress Goo Hara was found dead at her home in Seoul.

Goo’s death at the age of 28 came less than two months after that of Choi Jin-ri, or Sulli, another K-pop star and Goo’s close friend. Experts say both Goo and Choi faced extensive cyberbullying and sexual harassment from the public and media throughout their careers, which took a toll on their mental health.

Police say they are still investigating Goo’s death and found a “pessimistic note” at her home.

Goo Hara was found dead at her home in Seoul last weekend.

Once popular mostly in Asia, K-pop has spread far beyond South Korea, thanks to wildly popular groups such as BTS and Blackpink.

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