Why K-Pop Legend Hyori Lee Feels Bad for Young Idol Groups

Hyori Lee, who just returned after a long hiatus, has openly expressed that she feels bad for today’s K-Pop groups.

Hyori, dubbed as the “Queen of K-Pop” and the “Nation’s Fairy,” belongs to the so-called first generation of idols—artists recognized as essentially the beginning of K-Pop, debuting in the 90s. She launched her career as part of the girl group Fin.K.L, which debuted in 1998 under DSP Media.

In a June 29 appearance on JTBC Newsroom, Hyori explained (via allkpop):

“I feel bad when I see junior idol groups. The competition wasn’t as fierce back in our day. Since the internet and social media wasn’t as developed back then, there was a lot more freedom. Idols nowadays don’t have a place to hide, people see every little thing that they do, and the competition is a lot fiercer.”

Anyone who witnessed the evolution of K-Pop—those who hopped on the bandwagon early and are still riding it—would agree.

Hyori went on:

“For example, when I go to the hair salon the idols’ faces look very dark compared to their bright happy faces on broadcast, and they often appear down and lack energy… They also train for a very long time and get criticized and then they receive even more criticism after they debut so I feel bad for the idol groups.”

Needless to say, the Queen has every right to feel this way.