The image of an idol is usually decided by their agency. They could not be truthful about their personality and preference when it comes to self representation. In episode 20, Chilbong received an invitation to appear on a talk show. He initially wants to just answer the questions truthfully but his friends in the boarding house disagree with him. They want him to prepare for the questions instead of answering truthfully, hoping that it will benefit him by giving others a better impression of him and improving his popularity.

In the Hallyu, the image of idols is decided and given by their agency. For example, the concept of Black Pink is girl crush, and for Girls Day’s concept is sexy. The idols have no saying when it comes to the decision of the concept for their group. The idols are not able to be truthful and represent themselves when it comes to the presentation of themselves to the fans. Initially, idols “were discovered and developed by a production company and groomed for stardom” (Willoughby 2006, 101). After they are being recruited by the agency, the freedom of their self representation starts decreasing. They “would be instructed not only in the proper way of singing, but also how to laugh and smile, pose for a camera, and reply with innocuous banter to interviewers’ questions” (Ibid.). They are being taught how to behave, which would eventually cause them to forget their true self. In short, idols were shown how to act in the way their images are supposed to be like.

On the other hand, idols are usually allowed to be themselves when they are on the reality show. It could also be another image that the agency gave the idol, wanting the fans to fall in love with the idols’ “real image”. Since I am more familiar with the game show Running Man, I’ll use it to discuss this idea of truthfulness and self representation of idols in media. Jennie from Black Pink appeared as one of the guests in episode 348. Her image on Running Man was cute, which is the total opposite of her image in her group, which was a cool girl crush. The contrast for these two images might have been decided by the agency, hoping that it will attract more love for the idol. Of course, it might also be the idol’s true self. It is hard to say. If we talk about the cast members of Running Man, their image in the show is given by the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS). Jongkuk has the spartan image, Koangsu has the giraffe and betrayer image, Jihyo has the ace and luckiest member image etc. In my opinion, giving the members an image really does help improve the show and makes it more interesting. It is interesting to witness the conflicts and how they interacted between each other in the show. If they did not have these “roles”, the show would have been boring. It would be boring just watching people playing games.

Regardless whether if it is reality shows or in their designated group, idols’ real personality are mainly hidden from their fans. The image that fans see are usually the image that the agency gave them. Overall, idols are not able to fully represent themselves and be truthful about their personality.

Word Count: 555

With these in mind, I would like to ask the following questions:

What is your opinion on agencies having full power when it comes to deciding on the concept of the idols?
What is your opinion on the agencies’ strategy to attract more love for the idols?

Bibliography

Willoughby, Heather. "Image Is Everything: The Marketing of Femininity in South Korean Popular Music." In Korean Pop Music: Riding the Korean Wave, edited by Keith Howard. 99-108. Kent, U.K.: Global Oriental, 2006.

Episode 20 & 21:

By Winni Cao

Episode 20 : The Beginning of The End

Najeong runs into Sseuregi and painfully remembers how they drifted apart. How they managed their long-distance relationship was also shown. Chilbong was invited to appear on a talk show. After consoling Najeong at work, Chilbong gets into a car accident. Chilbong mentioned everyone’s name when he was on the talk show which really pleased his friends.

Episode 21 : To the Nineties

Najeong visits Sseuregi after receiving a text message from him. They got back together again after their long separation. Later, they decided to go to Najeong’s parents and ask for their blessings. Najeong later realized that Chilbong had lied for her all along and so went to meet him. The episode ended with the whole boarding house family watching the World Cup together and eating their last meal together for the last time.