Protecting Young Artists in South Korea’s Idol Industry: Challenges, Consequences, and Recommendations

Protecting Young Artists in South Korea’s Idol Industry: Challenges, Consequences, and Recommendations

Abstract

The research on the psychological well-being of juveniles who work in the music industry from a young age is scarce. As social media’s role in casting and A&R continues to gain significance, the number of young people entering the industry is likely to grow. Using South Korea’s K-Pop industry, this qualitative, exploratory study examines how entering the idol industry at a young age affects development, the challenges they face, and the extent to which current label and legislative protections support their well-being in the industry. Semi-structured interviews with four participants, including two former idols who trained as minors, a clinical psychologist, and an industry professional, were thematically analysed. Findings suggest that several domains of development are affected, most significantly identity, as artists’ self-worth becomes intertwined with their appearance, work, and public reception. These effects were aggravated by a constant fear, continuous monitoring of the talents by staff and the public, and an intense scrutiny of their bodies. The current industry and legislative protections were found to be insufficient, lacking independence, confidentiality, continuity, and enforcement. Trainees also fall outside existing legislative protections. This study proposes safeguards across familial, organisational, and legislative levels to support young artists.

Publication Date

7-1-2026

Campus

Valencia (Spain) Campus

Keywords

Young artists; South Korea; Working conditions; development; music industry

Protecting Young Artists in South Korea’s Idol Industry: Challenges, Consequences, and Recommendations

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