Do you believe idols should be allowed to post with their significant others, and be seen with them/open about them? Or do you agree with company rules that idols need to not date or keep their relationships hidden?
And why is it different from idols to western celebs?
Two complete opposite ends, western celebs promote dating and will often date for clout/publicity while Korean celebs keep it hidden until it’s “exposed” or someone gets knocked up
Idols should absolutely be allowed to date openly, just like anyone else. A relationship doesn’t diminish their talent, work ethic, or ability to perform. Many Western artists, including long-running groups like NKOTB, have maintained successful careers while being married with kids. The main difference between Western and K-pop industries comes down to cultural expectations and marketing strategies—K-pop agencies have historically controlled idols' images to maintain a fantasy for fans, whereas Western celebs often use relationships for publicity. But at the end of the day, idols are human, and restricting their personal lives is unrealistic and unfair.
Korean fans have proven over and over again that they can't handle it - to the point of threatening the idols - so yes. Idols just have to avoid dating until the mandatory disbandment age of 25. After that, it's fine.
they SHOULD be able to but the question is what does SHOULD mean?
it's not the idol's dating that's the issue - it's the fans reaction to such news that is in question
as a popular idol one has to balance the parasocial nature of the relationship one has with fans (aka the money) vs the need for one to have the ability to date/marriage etc
I mean, technically they should but the fans can’t handle it.
At least early on into their career it’s a disaster. After a while the fans relax a bit but it’s also very selective.
That’s what i’ve noticed: it seems like fans didn’t really care about/approved of Momo + Heechul, Chaeyoung + ZionT, Jihyo + the olympic guy, Hyuna + Edawn but they went ballistic about Taeyeon + Baekhyun and Karina + Jaewook.
Some idols get a pass , others don’t but I digress.
To protect their career: Hidden
In a perfect world: Public or Hidden (whatever the f they wanna do lol)
they can't
If they are in their first four years: Yes. In the cultures where mainly promote, they need to show they are dedicated to work and focused on work. The only time love life should be on stage is after engagement and until first baby. After first baby, dedication and focus goes to work and children. Funny because of all of the songs about romantic love.
Well, I think everyone should keep their dating lives private, not just idols.
After all it is a private thing.
Just that these days everything about a 'celebrity' and not just their work, has become a consumable product and there is a price to pay for that.
And now everybody can behave like a 'celebrity', but putting out their private sentiments on social media. "Happy birthday to my loving xyz" is very relevant to all the followers?
And as to your question.. cultures are not uniform, and neither is the West the standard for all behaviour.
The popularity of Korean content, might actually lie in the fact that many people appreciate their entertainers not to be constantly in scandals, in & out of relationships etc., too much drama.
Things like "respecting seniors/elders", decorum etc., might actually appeal even to Western audiences.
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