Jay Park talks about the culture shock of idol life in CNN interview

Article: Jay Park says in CNN interview, "Life as a Korean idol was culture shock for me"

Source: Seoul News via Nate

1. [+790, -129] Foreigners are actually horrified at how hard Koreans work. They say that Koreans are like robots, just working without emotion... The working conditions were hard for even a male artist like him who's been known to have good character so you can tell what it's like... I completely understand how he must've felt. It doesn't matter how much you love singing and dancing when you're forced to do it for 10 hours a day. No one can live like that. And I'm sure he felt a lot of resentment over the fact that he had no creative control over his own music.

2. [+580, -41] It's a system that can't be helped for agencies to better manage their products. Any fault in the product and it results in catastrophic losses.

3. [+67, -3] But if you're able to withstand the hard work and make it... the money you'll end up making is astronomical. It's basically up to the person and how much they want it. No one's forcing them to live the life style.

4. [+64, -7] I don't know why he's promoting in Korea then. Isn't he staying in Korea because he knows he doesn't have the skills to make it in America? Ok Taecyeon was under the same conditions as him and he was just fine. Don't blame Korea for this... go make money in your own country if you're going to do that.

5. [+63, -3] Should've quit when you were a trainee then, but no, you debuted and earned all that you wanted and now you're whining about it?

6. [+54, -3] It's just a difference in standards and cultures. There are pros and cons to every culture. One of the biggest reasons K-Pop is earning popularity worldwide is the strict training that goes on behind it. Look at BTS... they captivate with their crazy hard dance moves. You think that comes easily? You have to prove yourself with your skills in this industry. I understand what Jay Park is saying but I don't think it's anything to blame or fault Korea with either. If you don't like the system, then don't be a part of it. Every country has the woes of a trainee. We should be working to developing a better system and working to incorporate the better parts of Western entertainment culture into ours too.

7. [+50, -31] I don't think he's putting the Korean system down but rather sharing his honest experience. I'm sure he wanted to pursue music of his own while as an idol but was put under restrictions.

8. [+49, -5] Why didn't you leave then? Why keep your mouth shut then?

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