FEMALE STARS DENY K-POP SEX VIDEOS

At least four women have issued statements saying they are not involved

FEMALE K-pop stars and actors have rushed to issue denials that they appear in sex videos secretly shot by male singers, illustrating women’s fears about victimblaming and stigma in the face of South Korea’s enduring conservative social values.

In three days, no fewer than five male K-pop singers, including mega-star Seungri, have been identified as recipients of illicit videos made by singer-songwriter Jung Joon-young of sexual acts with women.

Three are under investigation, while four have announced their retirements or quit their bands.

There has been widespread online speculation on the victims’ identities. At least four women have issued statements denying they appear in the videos, with actor Oh Cho-hee saying on her Instagram account that the rumours were “really not true”.

Scholars and activists say the fact that being identified as a victim of sex-related offences is seen as a threat to a woman’s status shows the enduring presence of traditional values and the tendency to blame victims.

“In an ideal world, women wouldn’t worry about getting their reputation ruined for matters like these,” said women’s rights activist Kang Min-jin.

“And for the K-pop agencies, they are worried about getting their reputation ruined because they think about female singers as their products.

“They are worried that their products will no longer be marketable.”

South Korea’s entertainment industry has a history of targeting female stars caught up in “revenge porn” sex video scandals.

In 2000, a singer who was filmed without her knowledge and consent was heavily criticised by the public.

Instead of being acknowledged as a victim, she had to tearfully apologise in a televised press conference for “causing trouble”.

An actress whose video was leaked by her ex in 1998 and shared by countless men left the country for three years, and could not return to acting for another seven years.

“The women were criticised partly because they were unmarried,” said Lee Soo-yeon, a researcher at the Korean Women’s Development Institute.

Lee said conservative views on women’s chastity still prevail.

“A lot of people think it’s inappropriate for unwed women to have sex, regardless of the view being right or wrong,” she said.

“And the stigma can be especially severe for women who are well-known figures.”

Beneath its glitz and glamour, the US$5 billion (RM20.5 billion) K-pop industry is known for cutthroat competition, gruelling training and the hyper-sexualisation of its female artistes, some of whom are minors.

Activist Kang said young female K-pop stars are often deemed more “marketable” when they look childlike and “sexually innocent” — but, at the same time, are expected to perform sexualised dance moves in provocative outfits onstage.

“Many would think it’s 2019 and it’s ridiculous to talk about women’s virginity,” she said.

“But the reality is that losing that image — of looking innocent — will affect a woman singer’s career in this industry.”