"Minzy is leaving 2NE1."

That was the text I woke up to this morning, when I got up at 7:05am to get ready for work. My Korean friend, a native of Seoul and an employee in a small entertainment company, has always known my love for kpop; specifically, my love for 2NE1, the only girl group I have ever liked and will ever like. I didn't take this news well, especially since it was only just days before when I heard of Kai dating Krystal (and for all of you who know me, Kai has been my bias since EXO's debut).

It made me realize something. When things like this happen - idols leaving groups, starting a different career, dating - it's as if for as long as the news shocks people, they're right here with us, living the kind of lives we live on a day to day basis. They live under a microscope that scrutinizes their every move. And there's no escaping; the media sees everything as negative. "Guilty until proven innocent."

But it's relieving, in a way, to know that they're just as human as we are. Imagine Minzy, sitting on her bed, trying to make the tough decision to stay or to leave. Eventually, she has to do what's best for her. Imagine Kai, slipping in and out of dark hallways, trying to see that one girl he likes without having to be interrogated about it. Eventually, doesn't everyone fall in love? Imagine Sulli, imagine Jessica, imagine ... just imagine these idols, these people, struggling to live a life without being observed, judged, prosecuted.

And although it's saddening to know that one celebrity's seemingly easy decision could prove to be life changing for us, it's even more life changing for them. I'm upset when I read comments of people blaming the agencies or blaming the celebrities for all this 'trouble' and 'indeceny' they caused. Perhaps in some cases, they deserve that blame. But I think that what we have to blame the most is ourselves - for being the ones to put them under a microscope, to treat them like animals in cages, to think we're entitled to their decisions because they've so kindly shown us glimpses of their lives.

That's what's wrong. So when things like this happen, we have to remind ourselves that there's a star shining brightly in everyone. And if you try to catch that star, if you try to hold it in your hand so you can look at it forever, if you try to keep it in a jar, you'll realize ... even stars fade.