USA Today: Prof. Hahm Weighs in on Korean Cultural Expectations & K-Pop Band BTS Taking Time Off
The popular K-pop band BTS announced to the public that they will take an extended period of rest this holiday season. Their decision has sparked a conversation around shifting “cutthroat” K-pop culture. To better understand the context of BTS’s decision, USA Today interviewed Prof. Hyeouk Chris Hahm about the mental health challenges facing South Korean musicians.
Excerpt from “BTS Announces They’re Taking a Break: How the Group Is Changing ‘Cutthroat’ K-Pop Culture” by Jenna Ryu, originally published in USA Today:
Like many East Asian countries, South Korea is known for its highly competitive, individualistic culture, which was largely shaped by its rapid globalization in recent years.
‘The nature of competitiveness in Korea is merciless and relentless,’ says Hyeouk Chris Hahm, a professor at Boston University’s School of Social Work. ‘After being occupied by a military dictator, Korea became much more individualized and egalitarian, and society became very competitive… and as a result, people started experiencing more psychosocial stressors.’
This is one of many reasons Korea has one of the highest suicide rates among OECD member nations, she says. A 2016 study found that even though 30% of South Koreans suffer from mental illnesses, only half seek treatment.
…Hahm adds that the mental health challenges in the industry are exacerbated for female performers, who are at higher risk for gender violence and sexual harassment. For instance, K-pop star Goo Hara, who died by suicide in 2019, was the subject of tabloid fodder and malicious online messages after a public feud with her ex-boyfriend.
‘When men make mistakes, society as a whole is more likely to forgive them. But for women to expose their mistakes, or come out with bold feminist statements or aren’t wearing bras like Sulli (who died by suicide in 2019), then fans will just ostracize them,’ Hahm says.
That isn’t to say change won’t come in Korea. It will just take time.”