Shocking Revelations from Yujeong

In a jaw-dropping revelation during her recent appearance on the YouTube show CONSO, Yujeong from the girl group Laboum shared alarming details about her agency's invasive policies. She disclosed that the agency maintained a strict watch over the members through multiple CCTV cameras installed not just in communal areas, but even in their dorm’s shoe cabinet!

The Toll on Personal Connections

Joining her on the show was Ryu Soo Jung from Lovelyz, where they reminisced about how challenging it was to forge friendships under such oppressive conditions. Both groups had agreed to intense promotional schedules, leading to close-knit interactions during shows, but they weren’t allowed personal devices like phones during the early stages of their careers.

Restrictions on Communication

When the host inquired about their time without phone access, Ryu revealed they were stripped of their phones for about four years. "We were just focused on our music and schedules," she explained. The discussion took an interesting turn when they brought up Yulhee, a former Laboum member who faced severe consequences for her relationship with FT Island’s Choi Minhwan. Surprisingly, Yujeong admitted that Yulhee had managed to keep a secret phone under her pillow, which ultimately led to her being caught.

Life Under Surveillance

To paint a picture of life as an idol, Yujeong shared an experience when she strayed for just a moment to grab bubble tea. “The company called me in, questioning me like I had committed a crime,” she recounted. The members were so closely monitored that even a simple outing had repercussions.

Impact on the K-Pop Industry

The response to this shocking account was palpable, leaving both the hosts and the audience in disbelief at the level of scrutiny these young artists faced. Yujeong's candidness sheds light on the darker side of the K-Pop industry, where strict regulations and surveillance can significantly affect the well-being of idols.

A Hope for the Future

With the music industry gradually starting to overhaul some of its stringent rules and regulations, one can only wonder how future generations of idols will fare in a landscape that is beginning to prioritize mental health and personal freedom. This revelation not only underscores ongoing issues within the K-Pop industry but also invites a broader conversation about privacy and support for artists in an ever-competitive environment.