Where manufacturing ends, reality begins. Exposing the Seoul factory that turned art into an industry.
Standardized human production. Every smile, every gesture, curated by a board of directors for maximum ROI in the global market.
When the shine fades, the K-pop machine discards. No support, no future, just the next trainee in line.
Global K-pop hits written by underpaid freelancers while major labels take the credit and the royalty checks.
The truths the K-pop industry spends millions to suppress.
Underage trainees subjected to extreme physical labor and strictly controlled diets since the age of 10 in Seoul factories.
Despite law changes, hidden fees and training debts keep young K-pop idols in financial bondage for decades.
The alarming rise of mental health crises among global girl groups hidden behind vibrant dance moves.
How major K-pop labels use automated bots to fake stream counts and manufacture 'organic' global popularity.