: Trainees, burdened by "slave contracts" and immense debt for training costs, have been pressured into sexual services for wealthy investors to secure debut opportunities or financial stability. Abuse of Power
In the South Korean context, a "sponsor" often refers to an individual—typically a wealthy businessman or media mogul—who provides financial support or career opportunities to entertainers in exchange for sexual services.
Yet, the internationalization of K-pop has also globalized its patterns of abuse. In 2025, former member of The Boyz, Ju Haknyeon, was embroiled in a scandal involving a Japanese adult video actress. He was expelled by his agency and faced a police complaint for allegedly running a prostitution racket, facing demands for over 2 billion won ($1.4 million) in compensation. While the police later cleared him due to insufficient evidence, the case highlighted a troubling trend: agencies appearing to use "prostitution allegations" as a contractual weapon to expel artists and claim damages. Ju Haknyeon’s statement in a June 2025 press conference resonates as a chilling indictment: "The company doesn’t protect their artists". south korean entertainment model prostitution s fixed
At the core of the South Korean entertainment model is the "trainee system," a rigorous development pipeline where aspiring talent receives years of intensive training in vocal performance, dance, acting, and foreign languages. Historically, this model operated with minimal external oversight, giving rise to several systemic vulnerabilities:
The lack of early regulatory frameworks left young trainees and models particularly vulnerable to the "sponsorship" ( huwon ) culture. In historical contexts, certain corrupt executives or predatory managers acted as intermediaries, pressuring aspiring performers into forced social functions or transactional arrangements with wealthy corporate, political, or media figures under the guise of securing debut roles or commercial contracts. : Trainees, burdened by "slave contracts" and immense
The structural imbalance of power is a primary driver. For struggling trainees and rookie celebrities, the promise of a debut, a prime TV slot, or a high-paying endorsement is immense. For many, the choice is framed not as "prostitution" but as a necessary "investment" in their own careers. Some also engage in sponsorships to pay off debts incurred during their training or to sustain an extravagant lifestyle required by the industry. This economic vulnerability makes them easy targets for exploitation.
This complete dependency creates a profound power imbalance. When an individual's entire financial future, legal status, and personal freedom are controlled by a single corporate entity, the ability to give free and informed consent vanishes. The Mechanics of "Sponsorship" Culture In 2025, former member of The Boyz, Ju
: Contracts can be overly controlling, regulating everything from weight and social media use to personal relationships. This vulnerability can lead to coercion or "sponsorship" as a way to clear debt or survive financially. 3. Regulatory Reforms