Singer Ejae, known for her hit song "Golden" from the film "KPop Demon Hunters," has offered a candid look into the intense training required to become a K-pop star. For 11 years, Ejae underwent rigorous training at SM Entertainment in South Korea, learning not only singing and dancing but also how to pose for photoshoots, pout, and manage public interviews.
Ejae, 34, shared that her training regimen included lessons in multiple languages, such as Chinese, to cater to a global audience. She also detailed strict dietary restrictions, including bans on chewing gum, soda, and junk food, to maintain a specific appearance. "We couldn't chew gum because it would make your jaws bigger," Ejae explained, demonstrating a technique to shape facial muscles by balancing a lip balm between the upper lip and nose. She added that even ear piercings were prohibited, and the focus was on staying unbloated and fit, though she noted it wasn't necessarily healthy for a teenager.
During her time in training, Ejae said she "worked her a*s off" and while it was difficult, she acknowledged learning a great deal. She was dropped by SM Entertainment at age 23. Later, she began writing songs, with her composition "Hello" being picked up by singer Hani. In 2019, her song "Psycho" was recorded by Red Velvet and topped the Billboard World Digital Song chart. This success eventually led to an invitation to write music for "KPop Demon Hunters."
"Golden," performed by Ejae with Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna, achieved global fame after being featured in the Netflix film. The song later won an Oscar for Best Original Song. Ejae, accepting the award, expressed pride in the song's success and the international recognition of Korean lyrics, noting that she was once made fun of for liking K-pop.
However, the acceptance speech was met with controversy when play-off music cut off the presenters before they could finish their remarks. This incident sparked outrage on social media, with viewers criticizing the Academy for disrespecting the artists and cutting short a historic moment for K-pop.
The K-pop industry, a significant cultural export for South Korea, is known for its demanding training processes, with some artists training for up to a decade before debuting. Reports have surfaced about the industry's darker side, including bullying, abuse, and exploitation, with young artists facing intense regimens, daily weigh-ins, pressure for plastic surgery, and contracts that heavily control their lives.
Past incidents have highlighted the intense pressure on K-pop stars, often referred to as "idols." The suicides of popular stars Sulli in October 2019 and her friend Koo Hara a month later drew attention to the immense pressures faced by artists, including severe cyberbullying. Former bandmate Amber Liu has spoken about the industry's expectation of perfection in looks, performance, and discipline, noting that artists can be cut for not meeting weight requirements and are often told what to say and think. The stigma surrounding mental health within the industry has also been a significant concern.
K-pop idols typically have an average retirement age around 30. They operate under the scrutiny of "fandoms" who fiercely support their favorites and can turn critical if expectations are not met. Actions like drug use or drunken driving are considered career-ending, and even minor missteps or a failure to maintain a constant cheerful demeanor can lead to years of criticism. Celebrities often face constant pursuit by paparazzi and fans, with details of their daily lives frequently shared online for public consumption.