I came to this realization years ago but: Korea loves Kpop girls, but don't love the actual girl.
They love the persona: the aegyo, the sexy stage, the bubbly songs, the submissiveness of female idols.
However, when these girls; these women (because I feel like some of them aren't even seen as that) are vocal about feminism, inequality, self love, or take any control over their lives; they are demonized in an instant. If someone leaked pictures of them that were supposed to be private, they are slut shamed, attention whores, ugly, or not that talented to begin with.
And this isn't restricted to kpop. This isn't restricted to Korea itself. But this is a factor, one of many, that messes with someone's mental state. Which could lead to things like suicide.
This quick "shoot down idols for being slightly flawed or human" is prevalent to both genders. We've lost idols from both genders. But there will ALWAYS be a different standard for women because they are supposed to be the pure innocent person that fits the societal gaze.
At the end of the day, if we do not break that mentality thrusted at us that these female idols (and all idols too) are simply here to be Barbie dolls and not human beings, then we run the risk of losing another idol.
sunmi is a brilllllliant musician. i could listen to her talk about the way she approaches music all day. as a lyricist, composer, emotive singer, and performer.. like she’s grossly underrated in those aspects. is she the best dancer or singer? not even close. but the way she conveys emotion and utilizes her creativity it’s like.. wo this is some genius shit 100%. yeah she’s a little ‘eccentric’ and also a taurus… but that absolutely adds to the iconery going on in that huge, sexy brain. not even anemia can stop her..