A YouTuber claiming to be a former employee of HYBE has sparked widespread discussion after sharing her experiences about the harsh realities behind the K-pop industry.
In a recently uploaded video, the former staff member detailed the “dark side” of working in entertainment, quickly gaining attention from K-pop fans for exposing lesser-known struggles behind the glamorous facade.
According to her, the industry is not suitable for those seeking stability or work-life balance. Staying on an MV filming set for over 12 hours and then heading straight back to the office to continue working is considered normal. She even revealed that she once stayed inside a cramped editing room of less than one square meter, sleeping on her desk for just two to three hours before waking up to continue working under intense content deadlines. The only thing that keeps employees going, she said, is their passion for art and the artists.
She also emphasized how sensitive and politically charged the working environment can be. Comparing entertainment companies to royal palaces during the Joseon era, she explained that even standing backstage or casually talking to an idol could spark rumors, such as secret dating speculation.
The YouTuber offered a blunt warning to those who apply for jobs hoping to meet their favorite idols: “You’ll be disappointed.” From a professional perspective, idols are no longer distant stars but rather colleagues or superiors. Strict rules and professional boundaries make it difficult for such relationships to develop into personal friendships.
In addition, she revealed that staff members often create anonymous accounts to monitor fan communities closely. By blending into fan spaces, they track conversations and trends to better understand public sentiment. Even when fans use coded language or indirect expressions, staff are still able to interpret and follow discussions closely.
Her revelations have reignited conversations about the demanding nature of the K-pop industry and the hidden pressures faced by those working behind the scenes.
Sources: FB
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