The Truth And Lies About K-Pop Stars Being “Paid For Sex” 

Recently, a viral video claimed that idols, including the most popular, could be purchased for sex.

The individuals in the video did not have solid proof of any specific instances in which idols had been paid for sex, and seemed to claim that it was female idols and celebrities.

Top Female K-Pop Stars Can Be Purchased For Sex, According To Idol’s Alleged Ex

Based on recollections from past idols, there are some truths and inaccuracies about what was said.

Sponsors

Rather than one-time instances, most idols who have talked about their experiences speak of dealing with sponsors/sponsorships, or the exchange of financial and materialistic support for sexual favors.

Dal Shabet‘s Serri once spoke about her experience being approached with these offers. After sharing that her agency did not acknowledge these offers, she said she had been directly approached through Instagram DM.

She also added that rejecting offers can have negative outcomes as well.

Females Idols Only?

Being approached and offered sponsorships is not a female exclusive phenomenon, nor is it only idols. More than one male trainee has come forward about their experience being approached by female sponsors.

One spoke about how it began, saying his agency arranged the meeting. The female sponsor then gave a smaller “allowance” and gifts before offering a large sum that unknowingly came with conditions.

After 4 months, she sent me a message that read ‘I’m lonely these days. Can you come over?’

I responded, ‘But you have a husband’, but then she said that her husband’s on a work trip and that he won’t be coming home today.

They usually want skinship, or they ask for us to stay a night.

— Anonymous trainee

Transaction Vs Coercion

In many countries, especially western ones, engaging in sex work can be made as a choice by an individual as a job. However, in these instances, idols and trainees are usually coerced into these “relationships” both out of financial need and debt.

People around us will tell us, ‘Just accept it, they’re sponsoring you so just take it.’ In the end, I realized that I accepted up to ₩2.00 million KRW (about $1,450 USD) to ₩3.00 million KRW (about $2,180 USD).

I have to work but I had no money. There weren’t any positions available to me, but I had so much debt from the sponsors that I had to pay back.

— Anonymous trainee

While the currently viral discussion is hearsay, it does have basis in truth that has been lived by some in the industry.