Things to normalise within the kpop industry, a thread

[] just cos these are some things I believe should be normalised, it doesn't mean I think EVERYONE should be doing them. Obviously not every idol wants to date or feels comfortable seeing unedited pictures of themselves. These are just a few things I'd appreciate seeing more of

Normalise Idols embracing their natural skin tones. Whitewashing to such an extreme extent is crazy... idols look beautiful naturally and there's no need to constantly make them THAT pale.

Normalise idols having "Blemishes" (scars/acne/rashes etc.)
People always make such a big deal out of pictures of idols where their skin doesn't look as smooth as glass and it's harmful to them to be put on a pedestal THAT high. Everyone gets skin problems, idols included.

Normalise idols being in relationships. They're people, isn't it a very human thing to want to be loved romantically? Why is it always so shocking and headline-worthy when it's found out that so-and-so from some group is dating someone?

Normalise an idol's relationship status ALWAYS being secondary to themselves and to their career. Nobody should be defined by the person they are with in a relationship, much less someone who has worked so hard to achieve fame.

Talking about plastic surgery. Idk why ps is hidden so much and seen as such a bad thing. Getting cosmetic surgery is the same as getting braces for aesthetic, you're changing the natural structure of a part of your body. If it makes u feel better, then embrace the change u made+

Jessi has spoken about her ps and seeing her do that so proudly was Idols in 1st/2nd gen were open about ps but now it's seen as a shameful thing
Not all idols undergoes surgery, but some do and it's sad to see them hide it as if they've done something wrong when they haven't.

Facial/body hair. Idk why ppl make such a big deal out of idols having hair like... it's normal, treat it as such

Tattoos. Ppl blow up over idols getting tattoos which is positive, for sure, but then they go to live performances and have to cover them up with tape, which is a lot less positive

Tw// in tweet after this one.

Not having to constantly smile. This is a really big one for me, and it seems to be a problem with female kpop idols more than male ones. The moment a female idol isn't smiling, she instantly gets labelled arrogant or bitchy.

RV Yeri was called unprofessional for not smiling at a red carpet event that was held shortly after JH d!ed, despite it being known that the two were close. Bp Jennie also gets a lot of hate just bcos her face isn't typically open.

Normalise female kpop idols being feminists. Let them wear what they want, read what they want and Express their beliefs

Normailse talking about mental health. Honestly this deserves it's own thread so imma keep it to this article about Agust D, mentioning the taboos the album challenged

Normalise openness about sexuality. Regardless of whether the idol is straight, gay or anything between those two categories, they should be able to express that without fans feeling like they're owed all the answers they want
Sexuality has no bearing on the quality of ones music

Self care. Seeing artists take a break from activities for their health is a really good thing, and I hope it continues for long enough that people wont make a huge deal out of it any time an idol is overwhelmed by their workload

Accepting that self awareness and honesty doesn't equal arrogance just because you might think highly of yourself.

Separating the group from the fandom
I get that fandoms get into fights but let's face it: u dont know the idols ur bashing, and having 1 bad interaction with sb on twt doesn't make the group they stan evil. Chances are, ur faves respect eo and u should consider doing the same

Normalise accepting the mistakes your idol has made. You don't have to forgive anyone for what they've done, but accept that they can do (and in some cases have done) harmful things.

Normalise NOT sexualising idols, especially underage ones.

Normalise understanding that an idol is not perfect. They will make mistakes in choreographies, with lyrics, on or off stage. Someone missing a beat doesn't make them a valid victim for attacks. It also doesnt make them untalented.

Normalise accepting that not every song your fave releases is a bop just because they're your fave

Normalise accepting that your faves music isnt everyone's cup of tea, and just because they may not be a fan of eg rv's music, it doesnt automatically make them an anti. Hating someone for liking a different style of music to u is ludicrous, it only serves to give kpop a bad name

Normalise accepting that ur ship is probably not real
This may seem ironic coming from someone who writes ff but I dont actually ship any real ppl, I jst enjoy writing, and sticking in certain names is a way of getting my stuff read online
Original works dont get as much traction