When members of popular K-pop idol group, Monsta X, fell victim to a crime rampant in the digital age, the industry witnessed a response that is rarely ever seen in K-pop.

I discuss two aspects of being a K-Pop idol in this article: first, how they are more susceptible to cyber bullying and second, the changing definition of an ‘idol’.

A. The Cyber Bullying Epidemic

Quick Context

Right around the time when Monsta X released their latest album Follow: Find You on October 28, 2019, one of the most prominent member of the group, Wonho, was charged with various accusations made via social media ranging from mocking the feminist Me Too movement to unpaid debt, theft and cannabis consumption from nearly 6 years, before the beginning of his celebrity career. The accusations came in one after another within a span of a few days leading to immense backlash from a very riled up public.

Eventually, on October 31, just three days after the release of their album, Wonho withdrew himself from the group.

But it didn’t end there.

Monsta X’s leader, Shownu’s private life details were leaked online by the same two accusers of Wonho, for which he too received a lot of hate from the public.

In a country where one’s reputation or ‘face’ can make or break a person, having such allegations labeled against anyone could bear a serious blow to one’s career and societal standing.

Before proceeding any further, it is important to note that the accusations against Wonho and Shownu were not supported by any evidence or proof. Neither was any statement provided by any enforcement authority. Monsta X’s management agency has since clarified some of the accusation as being a case of misunderstanding and are currently in the process of taking legal action against the parties involved.

The Age of Online Harassment

The initial few accusatory posts about the Monsta X members were enough to light up the embers and create a firestorm of what can only be seen as online slander and harassment.

Online forums were inundated with endless malicious comments, fake twitter accounts were created for the sole purpose of spreading more misinformation and slander, false news with misleading information was published, manipulated photographs were circulated, videos taken out of contexts were shared and the comment sections on Korean news reports were inundated with slanderous comments from trolls and disgruntled public alike. Despite the fact that the false nature of the accusation had been clarified.

Online harassment and cyber bullying is a widespread problem especially in the digitally advanced South Korean society. A simple search on the internet yields how no one- from a school going child to an adult individual is out of its grasps.

Public figures especially, are easy prey for cyber bullies with several people having been fallen victim to it over the years. Renowned music producer, Tablo, was subjected to similar online (and offline) harassment nearly ten years ago which pushed him into a year long state of reclusiveness. More recently, the nation was shook with the suicide of a popular female idol who had been victimised by cyber bullies for years.

Reasons for proliferation of cyber bullying in South Korea are complex, yet it is believed to be tied to the conservative and strict, hierarchical and competitive culture. In a fast moving society built upon traditionally conservative idea, stress runs high amongst individuals. And the freedom and anonymity of the internet becomes a gateway to release pent up frustration. Add to this the lack of accountability and enforcement of laws and the internet becomes a breeding ground for online bullies.

Public figures have spoken out time and again how damaging and taxing online harassment can be for mental well being and this is backed by more than enough research available on the issue. But there is a silver lining to the story. South Korea has been taking stronger stance on cyber bullying over time and political parties are actively pushing reformative agenda. Artist management agencies have also been gradually taking a stricter stance on online slander by reporting individuals to the enforcement authorities.

B. Being a K-Pop Idol

Quick Context

There is much public furore every time a celebrity scandal breaks out which is quick to die within a few days. Fandoms are hurt, hearts are broken, but reality is accepted and people move on.

But the case of Monsta X is a peculiar one. As of the day of publication of this article, Monbebes (name of Monsta X’s fandom) are on their 7th day of protest and are still going strong.

Known to be a quiet and docile fandom, Monbebes have stepped up demanding for Wonho to be returned to the group, for Monsta X’s management agency to take prompt actions and also consider the members’ mental health.

Fans have staged silent protests outside of Monsta X’s management company in Korea and banners with supportive messages have been put up. Globally, fans have gathered across cities to hold their own silent protests. A petition asking for Wonho to be reinstated in the group has received more than 430,000 signatures and fans even raised in excess of 20,000 USD within 24 hours to put up a billboard message for Monsta X in New York Time Square. Messages of support are constantly being posted on Monsta X’s official online community forum and fans have been contentiously carrying out various projects to show support for the group. The sheer force of the Monsta X’s fandom can be felt on Twitter where for the 7th day straight, Monbebes have been trending supportive hashtags, both in English and Korean.

And it is not just the fans who have stepped to defend Wonho, Shownu and the rest of Monsta X. Supportive messages have come in from their peers and colleagues in the industry as well as their staff members. A sight rarely witnessed in any entertainment ‘scandal’.

This may well be the first time in a while that fans of an idol group have held such a wide scale and prolonged protest.

The Changing Definition of An Idol

But the question is why?

Why did Monsta X receive such widespread support from fans and public when fellow K-Pop idols did not?

Before you rule out the answer as being just another case of fans crying over their idols, consider this: that this may actually be an indicator of the changing definition of an ‘idol’.

K-Pop idols have traditionally been seen as the epitome of perfection: from looks to actions and words- a person who possesses or at least portrays to possess all the good values that make a perfect person. This is mainly because since their target audience has always been people in their teens or early 20s, idols have the societal pressure of being the personification of an ideal person, perfect role models for the younger generations.

This unrealistic fantasy has often caused many idols to get into trouble when their ‘human’ sides come into the public’s notice. News about idols dating, partying, smoking, getting into arguments etc. has severely impacted their careers in the past. However, there has been a visible shift in this perception over the years as fans and public become more accepting of their ‘human’ side. This may be because of the continuous evolution of the Korean society as well as the increasing international attention and influence in K-pop.

More idiosyncratic of Monsta X is that majority of their fanbase lies outside of their home country where the idea of a ‘perfect idol’ does not exist. Monsta X fans see them not as ‘idols’ but fellow beings. This perception may further be supported by the fact that Monsta X’s fanbase is generally of an older age group who have even less expectations of them being perfect people. So where conservative ideologies may see grave character flaws in an ‘idol’, the other side of the spectrum sees grave injustice being dealt out to individuals. And that is what is driving Monsta X fans to raise their voices.

In fact, fans of Monsta X have always been aware of their colourful pre-celebrity life. And they have been accepting of it because it’s just something that many youngsters of that age do. In the four years that the seven members have promoted as Monsta X, they have not attempted to cover up their pasts but rather improve themselves as individuals and this is something that is very evidently visible to their fan following. This has created a strong bond of trust between Monsta X and their fanbase.

This understanding and acceptance of idols as ‘humans’ is very relevant to how the K-Pop industry develops in the future. Often idol contracts with their management agencies have prohibitions on dating and other activities which regular teenagers and young adults would engage in. These can be understood to exist because of how the public fantasises an ‘idol’ to be like. As K-pop acts continue to break into the global market, the eyes of the whole world continue to monitor its machinery.

The strong stance that Monsta X fans taken have in accepting idols as just regular people has the potential to leave a mark on the industry as a whole. After all, it is the fans that make an idol group. And when they stand up collectively for them, it may be prudent not to ignore their voices.

In the end, we don’t know yet what the outcome of this situation would be: would Wonho return to the group or will Monsta X continue as a 6 member band despite their fans’ objections.

But if you look at the dictionary meaning of an ‘idol’, Monsta X may fit in perfectly. They are also known to actively partake in philanthropist work both publicly and privately. They have a good reputation amongst their peers for being kind and professional and they are well respected by their fans for the messages they promote. Monsta X have shown their flaws and also proved that they make the effort to overcome them.

If being an ‘idol’ is to set good examples and impart good values, then Monsta X certainly fits the bill.

For inquiries please email at info.matthewwatts@gmail.com. Special thanks to @RisingSunce for helping me with this article.

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