Concerns Emerge Over K-Pop’s Treatment of Child Trainees in Viral Clip of TWICE’s Jihyo

Reflection on Childhood Moments of Jihyo from TWICE

On December 18, a fan account illuminated a touching moment from the past, showcasing Sunmi‘s reminiscences shared on X (formerly known as Twitter). In her story, she depicted a young Jihyo, characterized by her shy demeanor, often appearing timid around older trainees but occasionally exhibiting playful behavior, like surprising them with lighthearted hits during teasing interactions. This engagement was complemented by a rare video capturing a youthful Jihyo playfully hitting 2PM’s Taecyeon, a clip that highlights both her cheeky innocence and vibrant personality.

Concern Over Early Training of Young Idols

While many fans found nostalgia and amusement in the clip, others expressed alarm regarding Jihyo’s age when she began her training. Notably, she became a trainee at JYP Entertainment at the remarkably young age of 8 in 2005, continuing a rigorous training regimen for 10 years leading up to her debut with TWICE. It’s also noteworthy that Jihyo briefly trained with SM Entertainment at the age of 7.

i still think of the time predebut jihyo threw a ball at taecyeon 😭😭😭🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/WXcKtWdGUh

— Peng-u (@MinaPenguu) October 6, 2023

Critical Discussions on K-Pop’s Child Trainee Practices

The resurfacing of this video has reignited critical discussions surrounding the recruitment practices of the K-Pop industry concerning child trainees. Many fans expressed their distress over the demanding conditions that these young individuals must endure. Comments ranged from, “This is just extremely scary and saddening,” to calls for accountability regarding parental consent, as surprised viewers questioned, “What kind of parents would allow this?”

Calls for Reform in the Industry

While it has long been customary for K-Pop idols to debut at young ages, this particular clip has intensified conversations about the potential implications for idols’ mental and physical health. Critics now advocate for stricter regulations to protect young trainees and an overall reassessment of youth practices in the entertainment sector.

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