f(x) Mistreatment by SM Entertainment: A Reminder of the Dark Side of K-Pop Industry
f(x) was a popular South Korean girl group that debuted in 2009 under SM Entertainment. Comprised of five members, Victoria, Amber, Luna, Krystal, and Sulli, f(x) quickly gained popularity for their unique musical style and quirky personalities. However, behind the glitz and glamour of their successful career, there were reports of mistreatment by their management company, SM Entertainment.
One of the most significant instances of mistreatment occurred in 2014 when Sulli announced her hiatus from the group due to mental and physical exhaustion. SM Entertainment faced criticism for lacking support for Sulli’s well-being. Rumors circulated that the company forced her to continue promoting even though she was not in a healthy mental state. The company’s statement on Sulli’s hiatus was vague and added to confusion and concern.
In addition to Sulli’s case, members also reported unequal treatment among members. Krystal was known to receive preferential treatment, with her solo activities and endorsement deals, while the other members were left with less lucrative opportunities. Amber, in particular, spoke out about her frustration with SM Entertainment’s management. She claimed that the company limited her creative input and music activities.
Moreover, f(x) had limited comebacks compared to other SM Entertainment groups, and their promotions were often cut short. Fans speculated that this was due to SM Entertainment’s focus on promoting their more popular boy and girl groups, such as EXO and Girls’ Generation.
The mistreatment of f(x) by SM Entertainment led to the group’s eventual disbandment in 2019, after a period of inactivity following Sulli’s tragic passing in 2018. Fans criticized SM Entertainment for their handling of the situation and for not providing enough support and protection for Sulli.
SM Entertainment’s mistreatment of f(x) highlights the darker side of the K-pop industry. While fans and the public are often only exposed to the polished image of their favorite idols, the reality is that many K-pop groups face intense pressure and scrutiny from their management companies. The case of f(x) serves as a reminder that idols’ well-being should always be a top priority and that management companies should be held accountable for their actions.
