What It Takes to Be a K-Pop Star

The world of K-pop is taking this generation's pop culture to its highest level. Popular groups like BTS and Blackpink, and even solo artists like IU and Jessi, show the world that Asian artists can take over the world's music industry.

As their success inspires many younger and older generations, what is the common denominator of these K-pop idols that makes them the icons they are now?

K-Pop's Rise in the Music Industry

Addictive melodies and "danceable" music paved the way for the emergence of the K-pop industry in the world of music. The history of its emergence in the global field is tied to the many generations of K-pop groups and icons.

Throughout the years, K-pop has become a global phenomenon that will continue to rise and thrive in the coming years.

This begs the question, how to be a K-pop icon? It may not have specific laws to follow, but a commonality exists in these idols.

1. Training Your Skills

Being a K-pop star doesn't happen overnight. It's a career that stems from the perseverance of training your skills in dancing, singing, being a public figure, and even posting on social media. The primary goal of this training is not only to develop your talent on stage but also to develop discipline in your career.

Being Trained in Agencies and Companies

The shining stars of the Korean industry are mainly incubated in training agencies from a young age until they debut.

They are trained to sing, dance, and rap to master their innate musical identity and as entertainers for the crowd. Also, they are taught to master public interactions and proper etiquette and not to get "canceled" by the majority.

The competition to get into one of these agencies is so hard that it takes all of your lifetime luck. But once you're in, you will be managed by Kpop managers and the agency directly until you debut.

2. Visuals Are What You Can Offer

It cannot be denied that a strong charismatic attractiveness or a cute aura is a trait these idols can give off as part of their stage presence. There is a strong judgment from the general audience on what seems to be a "K-pop standard." It's mostly being skinny and fit with fair and luscious-looking skin.

Mastering Make-Up

Although the west embraces no make-up looks regularly, K-pop idols are criticized for looking "not ready" for the public. That's why the "no make-up make-up look" is a popular trend among these stars and must be mastered, especially for female idols.

That's also why investing in long-routined skin care is needed for these stars to erase imperfections in their faces and have a glowy and youthful aura.

Plastic Surgery is a Norm

You're either born with a perfect and symmetrical face, or you have the means for plastic surgery to enhance your features to become a K-pop idol. This is rooted in the heavy standards of K-pop visuals to appear on camera, portraying a perfect image of a star.

In fact, students wishing to be idols can have plastic surgery as graduation gifts in Korea.

3. Strict Diets and Etiquette Lessons

Image is the most prized marketability of K-pop stars in physicality and behavior. Maintaining the standard for what is considered physically fit for an idol and what good behavior one should display are the biggest issues in the K-pop world.

Being Skinny for Female Idols and Lean for Males

A star's weight is watched like a hawk by fans. Being thin is not only acceptable but also highly coveted by many. Fans and the media put a lot of pressure on K-pop stars to slim down.

Regarding women's appearances and numbers, the Korean media has a reputation for being harsh. To look good on television, many female K-pop idols are pressured to lose weight to dangerously low levels. Male stars are also often required to have muscles and abs. This is to narrate the fantasy of portraying a picture-perfect K-pop idol.

The popularity of several K-pop diets has resulted. Depending on the diet, you can eat nothing but sweet potatoes, or you can only have one meal a day. Some K-pop stars have acquired eating disorders as a result of stress.

Lousy Reputation and Dating Are Prohibited

K-pop idols' respective handlers closely watch how they handle public engagement and behavior on social media. In the west, celebrities can often party a lot to enjoy life outside their jobs. But in K-pop, it's different. A star isn't allowed to have a single spot on their reputation, not to decrease their marketability as an idol.

Dating is also an issue in the K-pop industry. More often than not, female idols sign contracts not to engage in private or public romantic relationships. It is primarily a case where an icon with a relationship can lessen its popularity.

4. Strong Mind in Handling Stress

K-pop idols often get tangled up with anxiety because of their hectic schedules, gossip, and issues. They need to have a powerful soul to deal with all these problems.

Depression and Suicide in the K-Pop Industry

The news of suicides among stars in the K-pop world is very alarming. Take the instance of SHINee's vocalist's suicide, which stems from depression, quoting the idol's last words, "I'm broken from the inside. The depression that has slowly eaten away at me has finally consumed me, and I couldn't beat it." The sad sentiments of the idol are rooted in the pressure he has to deal with as a star.

5. Passion for Performing and Being a K-Pop Idol

Amidst all the demanding requirements an idol should take part in the industry, at the end of the day, it is the passion deeply rooted in their inner selves that makes them endure the problems. There is no doubt that long-standing idols remain in the K-pop world because of their dedication to their talent and skills. However, it is not to say that it is okay to normalize their sad sentiments in this world.

Do You Want to Be a K-Pop Star?

Due to the genre's global popularity, more and more people are looking for advice on becoming a K-pop star. But lo and behold, it comes with excellent preparation and maintenance to be the star of your dream!

One way or another, pursuing this dream is a way of moving on with your life. And at every step you take on this path, you'll always question, "Do I want to be a K-pop star?"