BOARDROOM FOR IDOL ADVOCACY AND SAFEGUARDING

K-pop is everywhere. Topping charts, selling out stadiums, driving billions in global revenue, and shaping pop culture worldwide. But beneath the flawless visuals and sold-out tours lies an industry powered by exploitation. Behind every comeback is a system built on overwork, relentless schedules, invasive surveillance, the pressure to maintain a flawless image, and contracts signed before idols are old enough to vote. The world is watching, and they’re starting to ask questions.

In response, the South Korean Ministry of Culture has launched the Boardroom for Idol Advocacy and Safeguarding (BIAS)–a high-level summit bringing together government officials, media managers, entertainment executives, and even ex-idols.

As K-pop continues to function as a major soft power tool and economic force for South Korea, delegates must now confront the darker realities hidden behind studio doors. Debate will focus on contract exploitation, idol burnout, mental health, trainee systems, and the blurred lines between management and manipulation.

While fan unions boycott comebacks and sponsors threaten to pull out, this boardroom must decide whether to preserve the system or protect the people within it.

And if the industry profits off idols, then it’s time to ask: Who’s protecting them when the cameras stop rolling?