Goo Hara and Sulli’s deaths: ‘K-pop music labels need to change’, says Korean psychologist
The deaths of Goo Hara and Sulli just six weeks apart shows that something needs to change in K-pop – here Korean psychologists take aim at a toxic system rife with cyberbully, exploitation, mental illness and gender double standards
K-pop stars live a life of glitz and glamour. They are often adored and indulged by fans, sport fancy outfits and amass a fortune at an early age.
On the flip side of their high life, and hidden from public view, is another life dotted with bouts of depression, spells of desolation and periods of utter confusion. The recent deaths of two more young idols – adding to the rising toll of late performers – have exposed this sick underbelly of the flourishing K-pop establishment.
Goo Hara, 28, a former member of the disbanded K-pop girl group Kara, was found dead at her home in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on November 24. Police have investigated the cause and found no signs of foul play. Goo's death came just 42 days after the passing of her singer friend Sulli, 25. The two were close friends. In 2017, Jonghyun of boy band SHINee died by suicide.
What is to blame for the premature deaths of these talented young entertainers?
Negative comments are like 'influenza' ... agencies need a major overhaul of their system
‘K-pop music labels should change’
Many speculate that online trolls' malicious comments triggered the deaths, saying Goo and Sulli had long been victims of cyberbullying due to rumours and scandals. But comedian-turned-psychologist Kwon Young-chan offers a different angle, zeroing in on the way Korean music labels cultivate the singers. He is the founder of a suicide prevention centre for celebrities that opened in 2015.
“Negative comments are like 'influenza' rather than a root cause of the death,” said Kwon. “Some people are more resistant to influenza, while others are not. K-pop singers mostly fall into the latter category in consequence of their background, so their agencies need a major overhaul of their system.”