Within the world of K-pop, the hustle is relentless and taken to extremes.
Dance practices, vocal lessons, and content filming dominate their schedules.
Add comeback preparations and album promotions, and their so-called off-season still seems like a never-ending cycle of work.
Once promotional periods begin, the intensity multiplies, leaving little to no room for rest.
The sustainability of K-pops work culture has long been a topic of debate.
Balance seems like an elusive concept in K-pop.
For many, exhaustion becomes a way of life.
Take TXT, for instance, who managed an astounding six releases in 2023 while also touring internationally.
These examples underline the physical and emotional toll of such an unforgiving workload.
Companies often prioritize rapid releases and continuous appearances, deeming downtime as lost momentum.
Its within this demanding ecosystem that idols, despite their passion and dedication, find balance increasingly elusive.
The pressures arent just physical.
Even industry leaders like BTS have publicly admitted to considering disbandment due to the intense expectations placed upon them.
This constant pressure to conform to unrealistic standards is a harsh reality for many idols.
With strict meal plans whittled down to almost nothing, she survived on barely any food.
The relentless pace is, in part, driven by the need for quick returns on investment.
However, this does not mean that a balance between work and rest is impossible.
Companies must realize that the health and longevity of their artists are just as important as short-term profits.
