Just as Bradley students have begun trading therapy sessions for cozy games, our generation has changed the way we consume entertainment. As classes intensify and
As the weather cools and the Bradley campus starts trading iced coffees for hot chocolates, something else happens too – students begin to hibernate. Snow,
With the announcement of the Grammy nominations on Nov. 7, The Scout staff has selected its favorite nominated albums across all categories. Rome Tews: “MAYHEM”
Not every hero wears a cape – some wear a headset. In “Dispatch,” AdHoc Studio’s new choice-driven narrative adventure, you play as a washed-up superhero
“KPop Demon Hunters” has brought a spotlight to the K-pop industry.
The Netflix original movie has over 314 million views and has become the platform’s most-watched film of all time.
With its action sequences and infectious soundtrack, the animated musical has introduced millions within Western audiences to K-pop. But curious newcomers looking deeper into K-pop are discovering an industry in crisis, one that contrasts with the fictional empowerment of animated idols.
But while “KPop Demon Hunters” achieved mainstream success, the K-pop industry is still grappling with one of its most publicized controversies.
NewJeans, one of the most successful girl groups in K-pop history, has been embroiled in a legal battle that exposes the darker side of the industry’s business model.
The dispute, beginning in April 2024, erupted between HYBE, one of K-pop’s largest entertainment companies, and ADOR, NewJeans’ sub-label, when ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin faced allegations of attempting to take control of the label from HYBE.
The situation escalated when the group itself took a public stance against HYBE. Their comments raised questions about the power dynamics within K-pop’s tightly controlled ecosystem.
After a court ruling siding with ADOR in March 2025, the group’s independence was further restricted, revealing artists’ limited control over their careers. The case sent shockwaves through the industry.
For newcomers, whether it be through social media or via “KPop Demon Hunters,” the NewJeans situation uncomfortably introduces the systemic issues within K-pop.
The industry operates on a trainee system where young performers, some as young as five, sign long-term contracts that grant their label extensive control over not just their music, but every aspect of their lives. While this system has created global superstars, it has also faced criticism for its restrictive nature.
The NewJeans controversy highlights these concerns in real time. The group was at nearly the peak of its success yet powerless to determine its own professional direction.
Global interest in K-pop has never been higher, with Western audiences more receptive than ever to Korean music and culture. “KPop Demon Hunters” proves a massive appetite for K-pop and K-pop-inspired content.
Yet, the industry’s response to its controversies will determine whether that interest turns into lasting international fandom.
As K-pop becomes more dependent on international markets, labels are faced with a greater incentive to adopt practices that align with global expectations regarding artist welfare.
“KPop Demon Hunters” has opened the door for millions of people to explore the genre and Korean culture. For the industry to fully capitalize on the popularity and attention it is gaining, it needs to offer newcomers great music and an industry that they can support in good conscience.
Until then, many fans drawn in by an animated fantasy may decide the reality is too complicated to embrace.
The biggest irony may be that a fictional story about K-pop idols becomes the genre’s greatest ambassador precisely because it doesn’t reflect the truth.
We want to let you know that we use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are okay with it.
TV makes no sense anymore, but neither do we
Just as Bradley students have begun trading therapy sessions for cozy games, our generation has changed the way we consume entertainment. As classes intensify and
Stressed? Press A to water your crops
As the weather cools and the Bradley campus starts trading iced coffees for hot chocolates, something else happens too – students begin to hibernate. Snow,
Staff Picks: What is the best Grammy-nominated album?
With the announcement of the Grammy nominations on Nov. 7, The Scout staff has selected its favorite nominated albums across all categories. Rome Tews: “MAYHEM”
‘Dispatch’ turns superhero duty into a desk job
Not every hero wears a cape – some wear a headset. In “Dispatch,” AdHoc Studio’s new choice-driven narrative adventure, you play as a washed-up superhero
Five Halloween movies that still hit every spooky season
Halloween means two things: a bunch of candy and movies that’ll make you jump out of your seats and leave you questioning why you’re watching
Column: I should have taken more photos
There’s a strange kind of silence that follows graduation – the one that sets in after the hugs, the smiles and the final “We’ll keep
Who’s the real star of ‘Good Boy?’ Indy obviously!
Who needs a leading man when you’ve got a leading mutt? “Good Boy” is a new thriller-horror movie that is viewed from the perspective of
Animated K-pop idols fight demons, real ones fight their labels
“KPop Demon Hunters” has brought a spotlight to the K-pop industry.
The Netflix original movie has over 314 million views and has become the platform’s most-watched film of all time.
With its action sequences and infectious soundtrack, the animated musical has introduced millions within Western audiences to K-pop. But curious newcomers looking deeper into K-pop are discovering an industry in crisis, one that contrasts with the fictional empowerment of animated idols.
But while “KPop Demon Hunters” achieved mainstream success, the K-pop industry is still grappling with one of its most publicized controversies.
NewJeans, one of the most successful girl groups in K-pop history, has been embroiled in a legal battle that exposes the darker side of the industry’s business model.
The dispute, beginning in April 2024, erupted between HYBE, one of K-pop’s largest entertainment companies, and ADOR, NewJeans’ sub-label, when ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin faced allegations of attempting to take control of the label from HYBE.
The situation escalated when the group itself took a public stance against HYBE. Their comments raised questions about the power dynamics within K-pop’s tightly controlled ecosystem.
After a court ruling siding with ADOR in March 2025, the group’s independence was further restricted, revealing artists’ limited control over their careers. The case sent shockwaves through the industry.
For newcomers, whether it be through social media or via “KPop Demon Hunters,” the NewJeans situation uncomfortably introduces the systemic issues within K-pop.
The industry operates on a trainee system where young performers, some as young as five, sign long-term contracts that grant their label extensive control over not just their music, but every aspect of their lives. While this system has created global superstars, it has also faced criticism for its restrictive nature.
The NewJeans controversy highlights these concerns in real time. The group was at nearly the peak of its success yet powerless to determine its own professional direction.
Global interest in K-pop has never been higher, with Western audiences more receptive than ever to Korean music and culture. “KPop Demon Hunters” proves a massive appetite for K-pop and K-pop-inspired content.
Yet, the industry’s response to its controversies will determine whether that interest turns into lasting international fandom.
As K-pop becomes more dependent on international markets, labels are faced with a greater incentive to adopt practices that align with global expectations regarding artist welfare.
“KPop Demon Hunters” has opened the door for millions of people to explore the genre and Korean culture. For the industry to fully capitalize on the popularity and attention it is gaining, it needs to offer newcomers great music and an industry that they can support in good conscience.
Until then, many fans drawn in by an animated fantasy may decide the reality is too complicated to embrace.
The biggest irony may be that a fictional story about K-pop idols becomes the genre’s greatest ambassador precisely because it doesn’t reflect the truth.